Washington – Iran may be preparing to deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, US officials told CBS News, in an effort to further disrupt key shipping lanes.
US officials said Iran was using small vessels
that can carry two to three mines each to lay in the strait. Although Iran’s mine stock is not publicly known, it has been estimated over the years to be about 2,000 to 6,000 naval mines, largely produced by Iran, China, or Russia. The officials spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly to the press.
President Trump posted on Truth Social Tuesday afternoon, “If Iran has placed any mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed immediately!”
He also threatened, “If for any reason the mines were placed, and they are not immediately removed, the military consequences for Iran would be at a level never seen before,” adding, “If, on the other hand, they remove whatever was planted, that would be a huge step in the right direction!”
On Monday, Mr Trump did warn Iran regarding the consequences of stopping the flow of commercial ship traffic in the Strait. Truth posted on Social, “If Iran does anything that stops the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, the United States will hit them twenty times more heavily than they have already.”
At a press conference at the Pentagon on Tuesday morning, Gen. Dan Kaine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said US Central Command, which oversees military operations against Iran, continues to hunt and attack “mine-laying vessels” and “mine storage facilities”.
At the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. Oil tankers carrying crude from countries including Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates must pass through the narrow waterway to reach global markets, making the strait essential for a steady flow of energy. 20% of the global oil supply passes through the strait.
Even small disruptions in the strait can have a profound impact on oil prices and the global economy, as evidenced by historical events where conflicts in the region led to significant fluctuations in oil prices and economic instability worldwide.
During the “Tanker War”, which was part of the larger Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s, Iran regularly placed naval mines on major shipping routes used by oil tankers. Last year, Reuters reported that Iranian forces loaded naval mines on ships in the Persian Gulf, increasing tensions between Washington and Tehran following Israel’s air campaign against Iran during the 12-day war.
As the war continues, major marine insurers have pulled back. According to CBS News, NorthStandard, the London P&I Club and the American Club have warned that they will suspend coverage for ships operating in Iranian waters and parts of the Gulf, citing the increased risk of ships getting caught in the conflict. reporting last week.
