US Officials Confirm Iran Laying Mines in Strait of Hormuz
The mining effort, described as limited with a few dozen mines laid in recent days, aims to disrupt the vital waterway that carries about one-fifth of global oil supplies.
Tommy Flynn
U.S. officials confirmed on March 13, 2026, that Iran has begun deploying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz using small boats, following the U.S. military's destruction of larger Iranian mine-laying vessels earlier in the week.
The mining effort, described as limited with a few dozen mines laid in recent days, aims to disrupt the vital waterway that carries about one-fifth of global oil supplies. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is utilizing hundreds of small boats for the operation, potentially overwhelming U.S. mine-clearing capabilities.
This development follows Iran's announcement of closing the strait after U.S. and Israeli strikes began on February 28, escalating the conflict and driving up oil prices. Recent incidents include projectiles striking three ships on March 11, with Iran claiming responsibility for some attacks.
U.S. Central Command reported eliminating 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the strait on March 10, releasing video footage of the strikes. President Donald Trump warned Iran via Truth Social on March 10: "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 reiterated threats of severe consequences if oil shipments are blocked.
Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, urged continued use of the strait blockade as leverage, while Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi denied mining activities earlier in the week. U.S. intelligence continues monitoring as the administration prioritizes keeping energy routes open.