WASHINGTON, March 11 – Iran has reportedly placed around twelve naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, according to two sources familiar with the situation. The move could make it more difficult to reopen the narrow passage, which is a key route for transporting oil and liquefied natural gas.
Oil and LNG exports passing through this strategic waterway near Iran’s coastline have largely stopped since the conflict that began 12 days ago involving the United States and Israel. The disruption has contributed to a sharp rise in global energy prices.
Iran’s military leadership warned on Wednesday that oil prices could climb as high as $200 per barrel.
One source indicated that the positions of many of the mines are already known, but did not explain how the United States intends to address the situation.
Earlier reports by CNN also mentioned the mining of the strait.
For years, Iran has warned that it might mine the Strait of Hormuz in response to any military attack. Normally, about 20% of the world’s oil and LNG shipments move through this route, meaning Iran has significant influence if it manages to block traffic there.
The U.S. military stated that it struck Iranian vessels believed to be responsible for laying mines, destroying 16 of them on Tuesday. However, the U.S. Navy has not yet begun providing escort protection for commercial ships traveling through the strait.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Iran to remove the mines immediately, warning that failure to do so could lead to unspecified military action.
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