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Iran has reportedly placed naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategic maritime passages in the world for transporting oil, according to sources familiar with U.S. intelligence reports cited by international media.
According to these sources, cited by CNN, the mining of the strait is not yet widespread, but in recent days, several dozen mines are believed to have been laid. U.S. authorities estimate that Iran still retains between 80% and 90% of its small vessels and mine warfare ships, which would allow it to deploy hundreds of devices in the area.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, and approximately one-fifth of the oil traded worldwide passes through it, making it a critical point for global energy security.
After intelligence reports were revealed, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, issued a direct warning to Tehran via his social media.
"If Iran has laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and we have no reports that they have done so, we want them removed immediately. If, for some reason, mines were placed and are not removed right away, the military consequences for Iran will be at an unprecedented level," he wrote.
Trump added that if Iran decides to withdraw any explosives that may have been deployed, it would be "a big step in the right direction."
The president also stated that the United States is using technology and missile capabilities similar to those employed against drug trafficking to eliminate any vessel attempting to place mines in the area.
Shortly after the presidential warning, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) had begun operations to neutralize vessels used to deploy mines in the strait.
According to military authorities, U.S. forces destroyed several ships of the Iranian navy near the area, including at least 10 minesweepers.
Trump also stated that in recent hours, U.S. forces had attacked and destroyed several vessels used to lay mines.
"I am pleased to report that in recent hours we have attacked and completely destroyed 10 ships or vessels dedicated to laying mines, and there will be more," stated the president.
The tension in the region has created significant volatility in the oil market. Analysts indicate that around 15 million barrels of oil per day, along with several million barrels of refined fuels, could be affected if transit through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.
The increase in uncertainty has caused sharp fluctuations in crude oil prices in international markets, which in recent hours have ranged between over 90 dollars and less than 80 dollars per barrel.
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