Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important energy chokepoint through which about one-fifth of global crude oil supply passes, according to two people familiar with United States intelligence reporting on the development.
According to a CNN report, the sources said the mining operation remains limited for now, with only a few dozen mines placed in the waterway in recent days. However, Iran is believed to still retain about 80% to 90% of its small boats and mine-laying vessels, meaning it could potentially deploy hundreds of mines across the strait.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which effectively controls the strait alongside Iran’s conventional navy, has the capacity to deploy a network of mine-laying boats, explosive-laden vessels, and shore-based missile systems across the area, CNN previously reported.
US President Donald Trump reacted to the development on Tuesday in a post on Truth Social, warning Tehran against escalating tensions in the strategic waterway.
“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!”
Trump also warned that Iran would face severe consequences if the mines were not removed.
He added that if mines were placed and they are not removed, Iran will face consequences “at a level never before seen.” He said, however, that if Tehran removes “what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!”
Shortly after Trump’s post, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the US military had already begun targeting Iranian mine-laying vessels in the area.
“has been eliminating inactive mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz—wiping them out with ruthless precision. We will not allow terrorists to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage.”
US Central Command later confirmed in a social media update that American forces destroyed several Iranian naval ships near the Strait of Hormuz, including 16 vessels believed to be minelayers.
The IRGC had earlier warned that ships passing through the strait could be targeted, and the waterway has effectively remained closed since the start of the conflict. Officials speaking to CNN described the route as a “death valley” because of the high risks involved in navigating it.
US officials said Tuesday that the US Navy had not yet escorted vessels through the strait, although Trump stated on Monday that his administration was considering options to do so.
Trump also assured that the US military was working to keep the waterway secure.
“the Strait of Hormuz is going to remain safe. We have a lot of Navy ships there. We have the best equipment in the world inspecting for mines.”
The disruption has significantly affected global oil movement. CNN reported that nearly 15 million barrels per day of crude oil, along with about 4.5 million barrels per day of refined fuel products, are currently stranded in the Gulf. Oil producers such as Iraq and Kuwait depend heavily on the Strait of Hormuz and have limited alternatives for exporting their supplies.
The Group of Seven (G7) major economies has signalled it may consider releasing additional oil reserves to cushion the impact of supply disruptions.
Uncertainty over the security of the waterway has also triggered sharp volatility in global oil markets. On Tuesday, crude prices swung dramatically, rising above $90 per barrel before dropping below $80 during the day’s trading.
