Iran has begun mining the world's most important energy hub

Several dozen mines have been laid in recent days. Iran still retains 80% to 90% of its small vessels and minelayers, so its forces can lay hundreds of mines in the waterway, CNN reports.

Iran, which now effectively controls the strait, has the ability to deploy a chain of mine ships — boats carrying explosives and coastal missile batteries.

Earlier, the IRGC warned that any ship passing through the strait would be attacked, and the channel has been effectively closed since the start of the war.

The state of the strait can be described as a “valley of death,” given the risks associated with passing through it.

The US Navy has not escorted any ships through the strait, although US President Donald Trump said on Monday that his administration is considering options for doing so.

“US forces destroyed several Iranian naval vessels on March 10, including 16 mine boats near the Strait of Hormuz,” the US Central Command said.

Photo: screenshot.