Hegseth says any new Iranian mine laying would violate the ceasefire with the US
Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon on Friday that the military is prepared to deal with any Iranian ships that “recklessly and irresponsibly” lay more mines.
But he said he wouldn’t speculate on reports that it will likely take six months to clear mines in the strait. The Associated Press reported that the Pentagon gave that timeline in a classified briefing to lawmakers this week.
Hegseth was responding to statements from President Trump who said Thursday that he has ordered the military to “shoot and kill” small Iranian boats deploying mines.
Hegseth said the U.S. is confident it can clear any mines it identifies “and would encourage other countries to be a part of such an effort as well.”
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