According to Jacobs, Iran is using small vessels capable of carrying two to three mines. Although the exact stock of naval mines in the country is unknown, estimates in recent years have ranged from two to six thousand. Information about the mining also came from CNN sources, which were based on intelligence data.
U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to these reports, stating that if Iran is indeed conducting mining operations, the mines must be removed immediately. Otherwise, the consequences for the country will be "unprecedented."
In his message, Trump emphasized: "If Iran has laid mines in the Hormuz Strait, we have not received confirmation, but we insist on their immediate removal! If they are not removed, it will lead to serious consequences for Iran. However, if the mines are removed, it will be a significant step toward de-escalating the situation!"
Later, Trump reported that the U.S. Navy had destroyed 10 boats involved in laying mines in the Hormuz Strait.
“In the last few hours, we have eliminated 10 vessels that were involved in laying mines, and this is just the beginning!” he wrote on the social network Truth Social.
According to the president, U.S. military used the same technologies as in Operation "Southern Strike," aimed at drug traffickers in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean Sea.
Washington also confirmed the destruction of several Iranian military ships in the area of the Hormuz Strait, which is a key route for oil exports.
The U.S. Central Command reported on X that among the destroyed vessels were 16 mine sweepers used for mining operations.
The Hormuz Strait is an important transportation hub through which 20-25% of the world's oil traffic passes. Following the onset of conflict with Israel and the U.S., Iran announced its intention to block the strait.
As RBC notes, only 14 vessels passed through the strait in the last week, while before the onset of hostilities, between 50 and 60 tankers with petroleum products passed daily. This decline in shipping has led to a sharp rise in oil and gas prices.
France plans to send military ships to the Hormuz Strait to ensure the safety of navigation. Trump promised that the American fleet would "escort tankers if necessary."
