Additional Coverage:
Tensions Escalate in Strait of Hormuz as Iran Accused of Laying Mines
Muscat, Oman – Amid growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, new intelligence reports suggest Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint. This development raises serious concerns about the flow of international crude oil, with approximately one-fifth of the world’s supply transiting through the strait.
Sources familiar with U.S. intelligence have indicated that while the mining activity is not yet extensive, with only a few dozen mines reportedly laid in recent days, Iran still possesses a significant capacity for further deployment. Experts warn that Iran retains a substantial portion of its small boats and mine-laying vessels, potentially enabling them to deploy hundreds of additional mines in the waterway.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which effectively controls the strait alongside Iran’s traditional navy, is reportedly capable of deploying a complex “gauntlet” of dispersed mine-laying craft, explosive-laden boats, and shore-based missile batteries, according to previous reports.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation on Truth Social, stating that if Iran has indeed placed mines, “we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY!” He further warned of “consequences at a level never before seen” if the mines are not removed, while also offering that removal would be a “giant step in the right direction!”
Following Trump’s remarks, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on X that, under Trump’s direction, US Central Command “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.”
U.S. Central Command later confirmed on social media that the military had destroyed multiple Iranian naval ships, including 16 minelayers, near the strait.
The IRGC had previously issued warnings that any ship passing through the strait would be attacked, leading some to describe the waterway as a “death valley” due to the inherent risks. U.S. officials confirmed on Tuesday that the U.S. Navy had not escorted any vessels through the strait, although Trump had previously indicated his administration was exploring options to do so.
During a press conference on Monday, Trump asserted, “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 uncertainty surrounding safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly impacted the global oil market. Nearly 15 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude production and an additional 4.5 million bpd of refined fuels are now effectively stranded in the Gulf, affecting producers like Iraq and Kuwait who have no alternative shipping routes. The G7 group of major economies has hinted at potentially releasing more oil to mitigate potential shortages.
The crude oil market experienced severe volatility on Tuesday, with prices fluctuating dramatically between over $90 and less than $80 per barrel as the situation unfolded.