Did Iran Mine the Strait of Hormuz?

By
Richard C. Young
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Photo by Steve Schneider

Iran may have attempted to mine the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most vital choke point for seaborne oil shipments. Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz many times, but the last time it actually mined the strait was during the Iran-Iraq War’s “Tanker War” phase in 1987-1988.

Now Iran has begun mining the strait, according to CNN reporting. Natasha Bertrand writes:

Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important energy chokepoint that carries about one-fifth of all crude oil, according to two people familiar with US intelligence reporting on the issue.

The mining is not extensive yet, with a few dozen having been laid in recent days, the sources said. But Iran still retains upward of 80% to 90% of its small boats and mine layers, one of the sources said, so its forces could feasibly lay hundreds of mines in the waterway.

President Trump responded to the intelligence with a post on Truth Social, writing:

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! 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. 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. BEWARE! President DONALD J. TRUMP

The United States has also begun targeting smaller Iranian vessels after destroying the country’s naval fleet. Some of the smaller vessels include mine-laying boats.

Iran’s military spokesman has promised that ‘Not a single liter of oil will pass through the Strait of Hormuz’ to benefit the United States, Israel, or their allies.