US President Donald Trump declared the removal or detonation of all mines in the strategic waterway, the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has largely obstructed since the onset of the Middle East conflict. The US Navy's actions were in response to Iranian closures that have resulted in significant oil price fluctuations worldwide. Trump warned that any new mine placement would be met with immediate destruction. Amidst this escalation, Iran remains silent. Tensions between the two nations have been heightened due to Iran's alleged nuclear ambitions and its closure of the strait, which is a crucial oil transit route, accounting for approximately 20% of global petroleum and liquefied natural gas. The US has imposed new economic sanctions on Iran in an attempt to weaken the regime, while China, Iran's largest oil buyer, has expressed opposition to these sanctions. In June, the US and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding, setting a 60-day deadline for negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz before discussing nuclear issues. However, talks have since collapsed, leading to the recent sanctions. Trump believes these measures will lead to the demise of the Iranian regime, which has been under economic sanctions since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Iran, on the other hand, is determined to assert control over the strait, a position opposed by the US and most other nations that view it as international waters. The US and Oman have been engaged in negotiations to manage the strait, but an agreement has yet to be reached. Trump has threatened to bomb his ally, Oman, if it interferes with his talks with Iran over the issue. Recently, there have been discussions about establishing a temporary shipping corridor in the strait between Iran and Oman, though the Strait is not expected to open immediately. The new route would allow commercial vessels to pass through Iranian waters, while military vessels would be prohibited.