Iran Deploys Mines in Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Strait of Hormuz has become a hotspot in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US. According to sources familiar with the matter, Iran has deployed about a dozen mines in the strait, which is a crucial route for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas. This move is likely to complicate the reopening of the waterway, as it has been largely halted due to the war launched by the US and Israel 12 days ago.

The deployment of mines in the Strait of Hormuz gives Iran significant leverage over the US and its allies. About a fifth of global oil and LNG normally passes through the strait, making it a vital trade route. The Iranian military command has warned that the world should be prepared for oil prices to hit $200 a barrel.

The US military has targeted Iranian mine-laying vessels, eliminating 16 of them on Tuesday. However, the US Navy has not provided protective escorts to commercial ships through the strait yet. President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran immediately remove any mines deployed in the strait and threatened unspecified military consequences if it fails to do so.