Trump Warns Iran Against Planting Mines in the Strait of Hormuz
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran regarding the potential planting of mines in the Strait of Hormuz, an essential route for global oil transit. This warning followed reports suggesting that Iran might be preparing to lay sea mines in this critical area.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “If Iran has planted mines in the Strait of Hormuz and there are no reports, I want them removed immediately!” He emphasized the severe consequences Iran would face if they did not act quickly. “If, for some reason, landmines are planted and not removed immediately, the military impact on Iran will be at a level never seen before,” he added.
Trump further elaborated that, should Iran choose to remove any mines they may have laid, it would be a significant positive step. He also mentioned that the U.S. is employing the same technology used against drug traffickers to eliminate any vessels attempting to place mines in the Strait, promising a swift and forceful response.
In a subsequent post, Trump revealed that the U.S. military had destroyed “10 inactive minelayers” recently, noting that more actions would follow. “I am pleased to report that within the past few hours, we have attacked and completely destroyed 10 inactive mine-laying boats and vessels,” he wrote.
Prior to Trump’s comments, CBS News reported that U.S. intelligence had started to notice signs of Iran taking measures to deploy sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. It was noted that Iran typically uses smaller vessels to carry a few mines at a time, with estimates suggesting they possess between 2,000 and 6,000 military mines from various suppliers, including Iran itself, China, and Russia.
During a White House news briefing, Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that if Iran were to target the Strait of Hormuz, it would encounter military force vastly stronger than their own. “If they take any action to stop the flow of oil and supplies within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be attacked by the most powerful military in the world, 20 times more powerful than they have ever been attacked before,” she affirmed, echoing the president’s message to the Iranian regime.
