Iran Exposed Planting Mines in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump Warns of 'Never Before Seen' Military Strike

**March 11 Update** CNN reported Wednesday, citing two sources familiar with a U.S. intelligence assessment, that Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, handling roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments. Sources noted the current mining scale remains small: dozens of mines have been laid in recent days. However, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) still holds 80% to 90% of its small boats and mine-laying vessels, theoretically capable of deploying hundreds of mines quickly—along with dispersed mine ships, explosive-laden boats, and shore-based missile positions—to block the strait. U.S. President Donald Trump warned in a social media post that Iran will face “unprecedented military consequences” if it mines the strait and fails to clear the devices immediately. He added the U.S. has deployed significant naval power in the region and possesses advanced mine-clearing capabilities. U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said U.S. Central Command is targeting relevant mine-laying vessels at the president’s direction to ensure safe passage. Uncertainty now hangs over ~15 million barrels per day (bpd) of Persian Gulf crude and 4.5 million bpd of refined products, stoking market fears of supply disruptions. International oil prices saw sharp volatility following the news, swinging between $80 and $90 per barrel.