US intelligence saw indications that Iran was taking steps to deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, raising new concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, according to a report by CBS News. The report, by CBS journalist Jim LaPorta, said the scale of Iran’s mine stockpile is not publicly known, though past estimates have ranged from about 2,000 to 6,000 mines. The report adds to growing concern that Tehran could try to threaten one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints as the war intensifies.
Trump: Hormuz mines must be removed immediately
United States President Donald Trump warned Iran on Tuesday about the deployment of mines in the Strait of Hormuz. “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!” Trump said in a post on Truth. His remark comes minutes after CNB News and CNN reported that US intelligence is aware Tehran has been taking steps to deploy naval mines in the area. “If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before,” he added.
More to come…