Iran Mining the Strait of Hormuz — US and UK Confirm Operation Underway
Iran lays naval mines in Hormuz, confirmed by US officials and UK Defence Secretary
US officials and UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed on Day 14 that Iran has begun laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz using smaller boats. The last time Iran mined Hormuz was 1987-88 when a mine struck USS Samuel B. Roberts, triggering Operation Praying Mantis. Active mines now make any reopening mission far more complex — requiring mine countermeasure vessels before convoy escorts can operate. France and allies preparing a Hormuz reopening mission now face a substantially harder task.
Key facts
- •Iran confirmed actively laying naval mines in Strait of Hormuz
- •US intelligence and UK Defence Secretary both confirmed the operation
- •Iran using smaller boats rather than naval vessels for mining
- •Last Hormuz mining 1987 — struck USS Samuel B. Roberts
- •Complicates reopening mission — mine countermeasure vessels required first
Timeline
US and UK confirm Iran mining Hormuz
~12 mines confirmed deployed in Strait of Hormuz — most locations known to US
Iran laying mines in Strait of Hormuz — confirmed by US officials and UK Defence Secretary Healey
US issues 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions to counter Hormuz-driven price spike