Iran Begins Mining the Strait of Hormuz: Global Oil Supply at Risk

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz - the world’s most vital strategic chokepoint, through which one-fifth of global oil supply passes - has escalated sharply, according to CNN. While only a few dozen mines have been laid so far, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retains the military capacity to deploy hundreds more.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning regarding these actions on Truth Social, stating:

"If the mines are not removed immediately, Iran will face consequences at a level never before seen."

Following this ultimatum, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed that Central Command has already destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels.

Currently, the strait is effectively closed, with experts labeling it a "Death Valley." Approximately 20 million barrels of oil and fuel are stranded daily in the Persian Gulf. This has triggered severe instability in the global market, with crude oil prices fluctuating wildly between $80 and $90 per barrel. In response, G7 nations are considering the release of emergency oil reserves to offset the looming shortage.