\n Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz<\/a>, the world\u2019s most important energy chokepoint that carries about one-fifth of all crude oil, according to two people familiar with US intelligence reporting on the issue.\n <\/p>\n \n The mining is not extensive yet, with a few dozen having been laid in recent days, the sources said. But Iran still retains upward of 80% to 90% of its small boats and mine layers, one of the sources said, so its forces could feasibly lay hundreds of mines in the waterway.\n <\/p>\n \n Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which now effectively controls the strait along with Iran\u2019s traditional navy, has the capability to deploy a \u201cgauntlet\u201d of dispersed mine-laying craft, explosive-laden boats and shore-based missile batteries, CNN has reported.\n <\/p>\n \n President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday that \u201cif Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY!\u201d\n <\/p>\n \n He added that if mines were placed and they are not removed, Iran will face consequences \u201cat a level never before seen.\u201d He said, however, that if Tehran removes \u201cwhat may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!\u201d\n <\/p>\n \n Following Trump\u2019s post, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth posted on X<\/a> that at Trump\u2019s direction, US Central Command \u201chas been eliminating inactive mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz\u2014wiping them out with ruthless precision. We will not allow terrorists to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
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