Iran’s Energy Tactics and U.S. Response

A former official from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has claimed that Iran is employing outdated, “World War I-style” tactics to jeopardize global energy supplies. This commentary emerged following Iranian actions in response to U.S. and Israeli military assaults.

The Iranian regime has effectively restricted shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz, crucial for global oil transport. Reports indicate that thousands of sea mines are being deployed to complicate and endanger passage through this waterway.

“This has been a nightmare brewing for over three decades,” remarked Col. Joe Buccino (ret.), who previously served as the CENTCOM communications director, during an appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend.”

He noted, “What Iran is doing resembles the combat tactics from World War I.” Such maneuvers include the deployment of mines that could detonate upon contact or even below the water’s surface, potentially damaging vessels and making navigation perilous.

Buccino mentioned that, while the U.S. possesses advanced technology, landmines represent an ongoing and effective threat. “These mines serve as tools of psychological warfare. We don’t know their numbers or locations, generating fear and restricting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz,” he explained.

With the U.S. Navy having retired many of its mine-clearing ships, Buccino warned that Iran might be taking advantage of existing gaps in U.S. naval capabilities.

The instability in the Strait has led to significant spikes in oil prices. On a recent episode of “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” President Trump declared that the U.S. is prepared to escort ships through the Strait “if necessary.”

In a related development, President Trump announced that U.S. forces had launched an airstrike against a military installation on Kharg Island, known to be central to Iran’s oil infrastructure in the Persian Gulf. He shared this on Truth Social, stating:

“Just moments ago, on my direction, U.S. Central Command executed one of the most substantial bombing runs in the Middle East, obliterating all military targets on Iran’s valuable island of Kharg.”

While he emphasized that the U.S. has intentionally refrained from attacking oil infrastructure on the island, he also cautioned that continued disruptions to shipping could force a change in strategy.

Meanwhile, Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, declared recently that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the conflict ceases and has called for the removal of U.S. military presence in the region.