Iran begins laying mines in Strait of Hormuz, sources say
Iran begins laying mines in Strait of Hormuz, sources say
According to U.S. intelligence sources, Iran has initiated mine deployment in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy artery responsible for transporting roughly one-fifth of global crude oil exports. Initial reports suggest the operation is limited in scale, with only a small number of mines laid in recent days. However, analysts note that Iran still controls over 80% to 90% of its mine-layer assets, indicating the potential for a significant escalation in the waterway’s militarization.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), alongside Iran’s traditional navy, holds de facto authority over the strait. This combined force can deploy a “gauntlet” of mine-laying vessels, explosive-laden boats, and coastal missile systems, as reported by CNN. The strategic significance of the strait has intensified since the conflict began, with its current state likened to a “death valley” by U.S. officials due to the heightened risks for maritime transit.
“If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY!”
President Donald Trump emphasized this urgency in a Truth Social post, warning that persistent mine placement would lead to “consequences at a level never before seen.” He added, “If Tehran removes what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth later echoed Trump’s stance, stating that U.S. Central Command had been “eliminating inactive mine-laying vessels with ruthless precision” as per the president’s orders. The military confirmed the destruction of 16 Iranian naval ships near the strait, including minelayers, in a social media update on Tuesday.
Amid this buildup, the U.S. Navy has refrained from escorting vessels through the strait, despite Trump’s earlier assertion that his administration was “looking at options” to provide such protection. The strait’s closure has left nearly 15 million barrels per day of crude oil and an additional 4.5 million barrels of refined fuels unable to reach global markets, stranding production in the Gulf.
Market instability has followed, with crude oil prices fluctuating between $80 and $90 per barrel on Tuesday. The G7 nations have signaled possible intervention to stabilize supply, suggesting they may release more oil to counteract the disruption. The situation underscores the strait’s vulnerability and the strategic leverage Iran holds over global energy flows.
This story has been updated with additional developments.
