As reported by Jacobs, Iranian forces are using small vessels, each capable of carrying two to three naval mines. Although the exact stockpile of mines in Iran is not disclosed, estimates range from two to six thousand naval mines, according to her colleague Jim LaPorta, a national security expert.
Additionally, CNN sources also confirmed the information about the mining of the Strait of Hormuz, citing intelligence data.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on these reports, stating that if Iranian military forces are indeed mining, the mines should be removed immediately. Otherwise, he warns, "Iran will face unprecedented consequences."
Trump emphasized: "If Iran has indeed laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and we are unaware of it, it is crucial to remove them immediately! If the mines are not removed, it will lead to serious military consequences for Iran. But if they take steps to remove the mines, it will be a significant step in the right direction!"
Later, Trump announced that American forces had destroyed 10 boats that were used to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
“In the last few hours, we have destroyed 10 inactive boats and ships that were laying mines, and we plan to continue this operation!” Trump noted on the social network Truth Social.
According to Trump, in the fight against mine-laying vessels, the U.S. is using the same technologies as in the attacks on drug traffickers in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Strike.
U.S. military also reported the destruction of several Iranian military ships near the Strait of Hormuz, which is a key route for oil exports.
The U.S. Central Command reported on X about the elimination of 16 mine-laying vessels — military ships designed for mining.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important artery through which 20-25% of the world's oil traffic passes. Following the onset of conflict with Israel and the U.S., Iran declared its readiness to block the strait.
As RBC notes, in the past week only 14 vessels have passed through the strait, while before the onset of hostilities, 50 to 60 oil and gas tankers passed daily. This decrease in vessel flow has caused a sharp rise in oil and gas prices.
France planned to send its warships to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safety of navigation, while Trump promised that the U.S. fleet would escort tankers "if necessary."
