Trump reacts strongly to rumors Iran mined Strait of Hormuz
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Media reports have surfaced claiming that Iran has mined the Strait of Hormuz. Washington promises serious consequences for Tehran if the reports are true, according to CBS News, CNN, and US President Donald Trump on Truth Social.
Media rumors
Unnamed US officials told CBS News that Iran is using small vessels to plant mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
The outlet notes that the exact number of mines Iran has is not publicly known, but over the years, estimates have ranged from roughly 2,000 to 6,000 naval mines, mostly produced by Iran, China, or Russia.
CNN, citing its own sources, reports that the scale of mining is currently limited, with only several dozen mines laid in recent days.
However, one source told the outlet that Iran still retains over 80–90% of its small boats and mine layers, meaning its forces could theoretically deploy hundreds of mines in the strait.
Earlier, the IRGC had warned that any vessel passing through the strait would be attacked.
Trump's reaction
"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," Trump emphasized.
He added that if Iran removes the mines, "it will be a giant step in the right direction."
The President also noted that the US is using the same technologies and missile capabilities employed against drug traffickers to destroy boats attempting to mine the Strait of Hormuz.
"Within the last few hours, we have hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine-laying boats and/or ships, with more to follow," Trump wrote.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil exports.
Oil tankers carrying crude from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates must pass through this narrow waterway to reach global markets. About 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait.
Previously, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps promised to allow free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for countries that expelled the ambassadors of the US and Israel.
