The United States military says it has destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, following intelligence reports that Iran had begun deploying naval mines in the strategically vital waterway.
The narrow maritime corridor carries roughly 20% of global oil supplies, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets. Oil shipments have largely been halted since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began 11 days earlier.
Key developments:
• President Donald Trump demanded the immediate removal of any Iranian mines, posting on Truth Social that the US wanted them removed “immediately”.
• General Dan Caine, the top US military officer, said the US Navy is considering “a range of options”, including escorting tankers through the strait.
• Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran would face a far stronger US response if it attempts to block oil shipments.
• Ali Mohammad Naini, spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said any US naval movement would be targeted by Iranian missiles and drones.
The crisis has intensified market volatility. A now-deleted post by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright claiming the US Navy had escorted an oil tanker through the strait briefly caused crude futures to fall sharply before officials clarified the statement was incorrect.
Energy companies are adjusting routes. Amin Nasser, president and chief executive of Saudi Aramco, said tankers are being diverted while the company increases flows through its east–west pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is considering a record release of strategic oil reserves to stabilise global energy markets.
ℹ️ Euronews, The Guardian
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