Iran laying mines in Strait of Hormuz — confirmed by US officials and UK Defence Secretary

US officials confirmed that Iran has begun laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz — the 33km-wide waterway through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply passes. UK Defence Secretary John Healey told reporters at Britain's military headquarters: 'The reports have become clearer and clearer — the Iranians may have started mining in the strait.' US intelligence sources confirmed Iran is using smaller boats (not naval vessels) for the mining operation. President Trump had told reporters on Wednesday night 'we don't think so' when asked if Iran had mined Hormuz, but US and UK official confirmations now override that denial. The last time Iran mined the Strait of Hormuz was during the 1987-1988 Tanker War phase of the Iran-Iraq War, when an Iranian mine struck the USS Samuel B. Roberts. The US subsequently launched Operation Praying Mantis, its largest naval surface engagement since WWII. Active mining of Hormuz makes any reopening operation significantly more complex and dangerous, requiring mine countermeasure vessels before convoy escorts can operate safely. France and allies had been preparing a Hormuz reopening mission — active mines now complicate that timeline substantially.