Iran is reportedly preparing to lay mines in the critical global trading route of the Strait of Hormuz, which facilitates the transportation of 20% of the world's oil supply.
Despite the destruction of over 50 Iranian naval vessels, Tehran still possesses more than 80% of its small boats and mine-layers to commence deploying traps in the strait, as per CNN. The news outlet revealed on Tuesday that Iran had already initiated the process of laying the mines.
While the exact quantity of mines in Tehran's possession remains unknown, previous estimates indicated that the Islamic Republic has access to approximately 2,000 to 6,000 naval mines.
This looming deployment coincides with President Trump issuing a specific warning against such actions as his administration contemplates assuming control of the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been closed due to Iranian strikes since the onset of the conflict.
"If Iran has placed any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have not received any reports of such actions, we demand their immediate removal!" Trump stated on Truth Social.
He added, "If mines were indeed laid and are not promptly removed, the military repercussions for Iran will be unprecedented."
Trump mentioned that at least 10 mine-laying boats had been destroyed by Tuesday afternoon.
The Trump administration has been resolute in its stance to keep the Strait of Hormuz open following multiple attacks on oil tankers in the region.
Additionally, the president cautioned that the same missile strikes used against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean would be employed against mine-laying ships in the strait, warning Iran to be cautious.
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, informed reporters on Tuesday that the US was targeting Iranian mine-laying vessels to prevent the deployment of traps in the strait.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the US military is exploring various options to ensure the strait remains open for the flow of oil.
The ongoing conflict and closure of the strait have caused oil prices to fluctuate, with Brent crude oil reaching a peak of $119.50 per barrel — a 65% increase from pre-war prices before settling below $90 on Monday.
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