Iran has begun placing naval mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to two sources familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments.
The activity is currently limited, with only several dozen mines reportedly deployed in recent days.
However, the sources said Iran still retains around 80% to 90% of its fleet of small boats and mine-laying vessels, meaning it could potentially place hundreds more mines in the key waterway.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which now effectively controls the strait alongside Iran’s conventional navy, is capable of deploying a wide network of mine-laying craft, explosive boats and coastal missile systems, according to previous reporting.
The IRGC has warned that any ship attempting to pass through the channel could be targeted. Since the outbreak of the war, the passage has effectively been closed, with officials describing it as extremely dangerous for vessels attempting to transit.
U.S. officials said the United States Navy has not yet escorted commercial ships through the strait. However, Donald Trump said on Monday that his administration is considering options to provide such protection.
Trump has warned of grave consequences for Iran if the lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
“If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY!” Trump wrote.
“If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before.”
Trump continued, “If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!
“Additionally, we are using the same Technology and Missile capabilities deployed against Drug Traffickers to permanently eliminate any boat or ship attempting to mine the Hormuz Strait. They will be dealt with quickly and violently.”
The strait has been a flashpoint since the start of the war as Iran threatened to set any ship that tried to pass through on fire.
