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Iran continuing to lay mines in Strait of Hormuz, US official says

From Jerusalem Post · (5m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly laid additional mines in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US official.
  • The US military has detected this operation and is closely monitoring the situation, with experts estimating fewer than 100 mines have been placed.
  • In response, US President Donald Trump ordered the Navy to "shoot and kill any boat" suspected of laying mines, while the US is enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports and intercepting vessels supporting the IRGC.

The strategic Strait of Hormuz has once again become a flashpoint, as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly continued its aggressive actions by laying additional mines in the vital waterway. This latest development, confirmed by a US official and reported by Axios, underscores the persistent threat Iran poses to international shipping and regional stability. The US military has been actively tracking Tehran's operations, indicating a heightened state of alert and readiness to counter these provocations.

shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be, that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.

— US President Donald TrumpIn a Truth Social post detailing the US response to Iran's mining activities.

While experts estimate that the number of mines placed is fewer than 100, the implications are significant. In a firm response, US President Donald Trump issued a direct order via Truth Social, authorizing the Navy to "shoot and kill any boat" involved in mining the Strait. This strong stance signals Washington's zero-tolerance policy towards Iran's disruptive activities. Furthermore, the US is intensifying its 'Economic Fury' operation, which includes a full blockade of Iranian ports and the interception of vessels suspected of supporting the IRGC. Top US General Dan Caine emphasized that this blockade is being enforced comprehensively, both in Iranian waters and international seas.

US is enforcing a blockade of the Strait “across the board,” and that it will pursue any vessel attempting to provide support to Iran.

— Top US General Dan CaineDescribing the scope and enforcement of the US blockade.

This escalation comes at a critical juncture, with a two-week ceasefire in the war with Iran reportedly set to expire around Israel's Independence Day. The continued mining operations by the IRGC are seen as a direct violation of this fragile truce. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that any further attempts to lay mines would breach the ceasefire, and the US blockade is expanding globally. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, with the US committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and deterring Iranian aggression through a combination of military force and economic pressure.

any more attempts to lay mines would be a violation of the ceasefire, adding that the blockade is “growing and going global.”

— Pete HegsethThe Defense Secretary commenting on Iran's actions and the expanding US blockade.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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