Iran-US tension doesn’t seem to settle down any time soon, as per reports Iran has begun placing naval mines in the world’s most strategic waterway: Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is crucial because one-fifth of the world’s crude oil is transported through it. Two sources aware of the US intelligence assessments shared that Iran has deployed a few dozen mines so far. Even though Iran’s recent activity is limited, it still has the capability to lay more mines in the area. As per sources, almost 90% of the deployment assets in small boats remain intact, which clearly indicates the country is very capable of escalating deployment. Previous reports stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shares control over the Strait of Hormuz with the Iranian navy. This makes it even clearer that they have the capacity to deploy a coordinated network of mine-laying vessels, explosive boats, and shore-based missile systems.
Trump’s reaction
On Tuesday US President Trump took to Truth Social and warned Iran of consequences if it is placing mines in the strait, demanding immediate removal. Trump even said that if Iran fails to do so, they should be ready to face consequences “at a level never before seen.” Trump also wrote that it was “a giant step in the right direction.” Following Trump’s post, US Défense Secretary Pete Hegseth took to X and shared that upon the President’s order, the US is targeting Iranian vessels conducting mine-laying operations. As per Hegseth, many vessels were destroyed. It was later confirmed that many Iranian naval vessels—almost 16 mine-laying boats—had been destroyed.
Earlier reports stated that the US Navy had escorted commercial ships through the waterway, however US officials have declined to comment on this.
What is the situation in the Strait of Hormuz?
At the Strait of Hormuz the situation is very tensed. After the tension escalated, Iran’s IRGC warned of targeting vessels that pass through the waterway. Amidst the tension, the route has been shut down. Some sources have called it a ‘Death Valley’ because of the high risk ships face in the area. Addressing the media on Monday, Trump said the US is trying to keep the strait secure. “The Strait of Hormuz is going to remain safe,” he noted that a large number of US naval ships are deployed in the region and are equipped with advanced equipment that detects and neutralizes mines.
