April 24, 2026
New naval mines have been deployed this week in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, according to U.S. officials and sources cited by Axios. The move marks a sharp escalation in tensions in one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.
The strategic waterway, through which around 20% of global seaborne oil passes during peacetime, is now facing severe disruption. The International Energy Agency has warned that renewed mining could significantly impact global oil supply, potentially triggering a crisis comparable to — or worse than — the oil shocks of the 1970s.
In response, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a directive on Thursday via Truth Social, ordering the U.S. Navy to destroy any Iranian vessels involved in laying mines “without hesitation.” The United States has also intensified its naval presence in the region, reinforcing an already robust maritime blockade.
The USS George H. W. Bush and its strike group have now arrived within the operational area of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), becoming the third U.S. aircraft carrier deployed to the region. Officials say the buildup aims to tighten control over maritime routes and deter further Iranian actions.
Since the start of the blockade, CENTCOM reports that at least 33 vessels have been redirected from the area. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has accelerated mine-clearing operations, deploying underwater drones to detect and neutralize threats. President Trump has ordered these operations to proceed at “three times the normal pace.”
Despite the heightened tensions, the exact number of newly deployed mines remains undisclosed. The White House has declined to comment on the specifics. Analysts warn that continued escalation could severely disrupt global shipping and energy markets, as vessel traffic in the Strait has already dropped from over 100 ships per day to single digits.
This marks the second instance of mine deployment by Iran since the outbreak of the current conflict, raising concerns about whether previously laid mines have been fully cleared. The situation remains volatile, with global economic and security implications hanging in the balance.
