Strait of Hormuz mine clearing

Tensions in the Persian Gulf have reached a critical point as the U.S. Navy begins operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic.

U.S. officials claim that Iran's inability to find its own mines has delayed the restoration of vital oil supply routes.

The Iranian military has strongly denied that any American warships have entered the waterway and has threatened a 'strong response' to any such incursion.

This naval standoff is occurring simultaneously with the collapse of diplomatic efforts in Pakistan to find a permanent end to the war.