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Update: Trump Says Hormuz Cleared of Mines, Warns Iran Against New Deployments

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(Updated with comments from White House in paragraphs 6-8.)

President Trump said on Tuesday that the US Navy had removed or detonated all mines in the Strait of Hormuz and warned Iran that any attempt to lay new mines would trigger an immediate military response.

"Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Trump said that the US was monitoring the Hormuz through the Space Force and claimed that Washington was watching "every square inch" of the strategic waterway.

He also referenced surveillance of Pickaxe Mountain and three other Iranian nuclear sites that he said had already been destroyed.

Trump's remarks come as his administration intensifies economic pressure on Iran. On Monday, the US unveiled "Operation Economic Outcast," a sanction campaign designed to cut Iran off from international financial and economic networks and restrict revenue flows supporting the country.

Meanwhile, a White House official referred to Trump's comments and reiterated that the US is not currently engaged in talks with Iran.

"There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran," the official toldin an emailed response.

The official noted that the Strait of Hormuz was open to shipping. "The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated," the official added.

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