Original Source
Trump Mentions 'Destruction of 10 Iranian Mine-Laying Vessels'; Hormuz Strait Tensions Escalate
President Trump's Remark on 'Destruction of Mine-Laying Vessels'
Donald Trump announced on 'Truth Social' that the United States had destroyed 10 inactive mine-laying vessels or ships in recent hours. This is understood as a response to reports that Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital chokepoint.
According to the last official U.S. government figures on Iranian mines released in 2019, Iran possessed approximately 5,000 mines at that time. Experts believe it is highly probable that Iran has increased its mine inventory over the past few years.
Iran's Diverse Mine-Laying Capabilities
Iran does not necessarily require large warships or highly advanced technology to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran possesses the capability to deploy mines using small vessels, as well as drone boats and submarines.
Historically, Iran has utilized various types of mines. It has a precedent for laying mines during the Tanker War in the 1980s, and it is known to have used limpet mines in the Gulf in 2019 and 2020. This indicates that Iran can pose a mine threat with a wide range of options and relatively low technological barriers.
*Source: YouTube: Bloomberg (2026-03-10)*
