Two of the three US Gulf-based minesweepers have been spotted in Malaysia, raising eyebrows amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The relocation comes as Iran continues to assert its influence in the region, and the US Navy grapples with concerns over its mine-clearing capabilities. Following a strategy shift, the US Navy has several options on the table to counter potential threats posed by Iranian mines. Critics recall that the previous administration reduced the number of operational minesweepers, a decision that has left the Navy reportedly unprepared for current challenges. As the situation develops, the US calls for allied support in the region, further complicating its naval posture in response to Iranian provocations.