Iran lays mines in Strait Of Hormuz, Trump threatens with ‘never before seen' consequences

As the Middle East war wreaks havoc on global oil markets, Iran has begun planting mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical energy chokepoint that carries about one-fifth of global crude oil supplies.

The mining activity remains limited for now, with only a few dozen mines reportedly placed in recent days, sources told CNN.

Trump warns of 'consequences'

In apparent response to media reports that Iran ​had begun laying mines in the waterway, a key passage for oil shipments, Trump posted on Truth Social: "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 said that if Tehran did not do so it would face ​military consequences, without providing details.

Iran would face consequences “at a level never before seen," Trump said. He also suggested that if Tehran removes “what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!"

Trump also said the U.S. was using the same technology deployed against drug traffickers to "permanently eliminate ​any boat or ship attempting to mine the Hormuz Strait."

US destroys mine-laying vessels

Later on Tuesday, Trump claimed that the US had "completely destroyed" 10 inactive mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, the US military posted video footage of Iranian boats blasted by missiles and other projectiles as it said it had destroyed 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint to the Gulf through which one-fifth of the world's oil passes.

The Strait of Hormuz has mostly been blocked by Iran since the United States and Israel launched coordinated attacks in late February. Trump has pledged to attack Iran “twenty times harder” if it disrupts the flow of oil that passes through the Strait.