Iran Plants Mines In Strait Of Hormuz As Trump Warns Of ‘Consequences Never Before Seen’

Last Updated:March 11, 2026, 07:56 IST

The mining activity remains limited for now, with only a few dozen mines reportedly placed in recent days, says report.

Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical energy chokepoint that carries about one-fifth of global crude oil supplies, according to two people familiar with US intelligence assessments, CNN reported. US-Israel-Iran War LIVE

The mining activity remains limited for now, with only a few dozen mines reportedly placed in recent days, sources told CNN. However, Iran still retains between 80% and 90% of its small boats and mine-laying capabilities, meaning it could quickly escalate by deploying hundreds more mines if it chooses to do so.

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CNN previously reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which effectively controls the strait alongside Iran’s conventional navy, has the capacity to deploy a “gauntlet" of dispersed minelaying vessels, explosive boats and shore-based missile systems across the narrow waterway.

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Reacting to the reports, President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday: “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!"

He added that if mines were placed and not removed, Iran would face consequences “at a level never before seen." Trump also suggested that if Tehran removes “what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!"

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Following Trump’s remarks, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X that US Central Command, acting on Trump’s orders, “has been eliminating inactive mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz—wiping them out with ruthless precision. We will not allow terrorists to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage."

US Central Command later confirmed in a social media statement that multiple Iranian naval vessels, including 16 minelayers, had been destroyed near the strait. According to CNN, US officials also clarified that the US Navy has not escorted any vessels through the waterway, even though Trump had earlier said his administration was considering that option.

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The IRGC had previously warned that ships passing through the strait would be targeted, and the passage has effectively remained shut since the escalation began. The situation in the waterway has been described to CNN as a “death valley" due to the risks involved in transit.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Trump said, “The Strait of Hormuz is going to remain safe. We have a lot of Navy ships there. We have the best equipment in the world for inspecting for mines."

News world Iran Plants Mines In Strait Of Hormuz; Trump Warns Of ‘Consequences Never Before Seen’

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