The U.S. has reported new Iranian mines in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Axios
The U.S. military has confirmed that units of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy laid new sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz this week.
This was reported by Axios.
According to experts, such actions could significantly escalate tensions in the region and threaten global energy security. The International Energy Agency has already warned that the situation in the strait could cause the largest disruption in oil supplies in the history of the global market—even more severe than the crisis of the 1970s.
According to sources, the U.S. military tracked the mining operation and continues to closely monitor the situation. Washington had previously stated that over 90% of Iran’s large mine-laying vessels and depots had been destroyed, but Iran likely retained part of its arsenal along the coast.
Currently, the U.S. Navy is using underwater drones to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, ship traffic in the region has dropped significantly: whereas more than 100 ships used to pass through the strait daily, now only a handful do.
In peacetime, about 20% of the world’s maritime oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. official noted that the U.S. has information on the number of new mines that may have been laid by Iran, but this data is not being disclosed. According to preliminary estimates, Iran may have previously had fewer than 100 mines in the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz will remain blocked to Iranian exports until a comprehensive peace agreement is reached.
Trump stated that there is no timeline for ending the war with Iran
Prior to this, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran has repeatedly violated the ceasefire since it was established between Washington and Tehran. According to Trump, there have been numerous incidents that cast doubt on Iran’s compliance with the ceasefire agreements.
Trumpexpressed his willingness to meet personally with Iran’s new leadership.
US President Donald Trump also announced progress in negotiations with Iran, under which Washington would allegedly receive all of Tehran’s enriched uranium without any financial payments.
Additionally, Israel agreed to a 10-day ceasefire with Lebanon and announced the start of a move toward a diplomatic settlement; however, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the war against Hezbollah is not yet over and military operations will continue.
