Iran has reportedly begun placing naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening one of the world’s most critical oil routes and causing volatility in global crude oil markets.
Iran Deploys Naval Mines in the Strait of Hormuz, Raising Global Energy Concerns
Iran has reportedly started placing naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic oil transit routes. Intelligence sources familiar with U.S. assessments say the deployment has begun but remains limited so far.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to international shipping lanes and is responsible for transporting roughly 20% of the world’s crude oil supply. Any disruption in this corridor could significantly impact global energy markets.
Limited Mine Deployment but Potential for Escalation
According to sources close to U.S. intelligence, only a few dozen mines have been deployed in recent days. However, Iran still retains a large portion of its small naval craft and mine-laying vessels.
Experts say the country could rapidly expand the operation if tensions escalate. Estimates suggest that 80% to 90% of Iran’s small boats and mine-deployment assets remain operational, giving Tehran the capability to deploy hundreds of mines if needed.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) now plays a dominant role in controlling the strategic waterway alongside Iran’s conventional navy. Analysts believe the IRGC could deploy a layered defense system using explosive boats, mine-laying craft, and coastal missile batteries to restrict access to the strait.
U.S. Response and Military Action
In response to the reports, Donald Trump issued a warning through his Truth Social platform, stating that if Iran had placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz, they must be removed immediately.
Trump warned that failure to do so could lead to consequences “at a level never before seen,” while also suggesting that removing the mines could ease tensions.
Shortly afterward, Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, announced on social media that the United States Central Command had carried out operations targeting Iranian vessels suspected of mine-laying activities.
U.S. military officials later confirmed that multiple Iranian naval vessels, including 16 suspected mine-laying ships, had been destroyed near the waterway.
Growing Risks for Shipping and Trade
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has previously warned that ships attempting to pass through the strait could be targeted. As a result, many shipping companies have halted or delayed transit through the region.
Some officials have described the strait as a “danger zone” for vessels due to the risk of mines, missile attacks, or armed confrontations.
Despite the growing tensions, U.S. naval forces have not yet begun escorting commercial vessels through the channel. However, discussions about potential escort operations are ongoing.
Global Oil Supply Under Pressure
The situation has already started affecting global oil markets. Nearly 15 million barrels per day of crude oil, along with approximately 4.5 million barrels of refined petroleum products, are currently facing logistical challenges in the Gulf region.
Countries such as Iraq and Kuwait rely heavily on the Strait of Hormuz to export their oil, leaving them with few alternative routes.
The Group of Seven (G7) has hinted that it could release additional oil reserves to help stabilize supply if disruptions worsen.
Oil Prices Experience Major Volatility
Uncertainty surrounding the situation has caused significant fluctuations in crude oil prices. During Tuesday trading, the price of oil moved sharply, swinging between above $90 per barrel and below $80 in rapid shifts.
Energy analysts warn that prolonged instability in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger sustained price increases and supply shortages worldwide.