Tensions in the Gulf escalated sharply after reports that Iran had begun laying naval mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, prompting warnings from President Donald Trump and US military strikes against suspected mine-laying vessels.

The US military said it destroyed Iranian naval ships including 16 minelayers near the waterway, one of the world’s most critical energy routes.

Shipping along the narrow strait has all but halted since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran more than a week ago, preventing exports of around a fifth of the world’s oil supply ​and sending global oil prices surging to highs not seen since 2022.

Two people familiar with US intelligence reporting said the mining operation is still limited, with a few dozen mines laid in recent days. However, Iran retains 80% to 90% of its small boats and mine-laying capability, meaning it could potentially deploy hundreds of mines if the situation escalates.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which effectively controls the strait alongside Iran’s regular navy, has the capability to deploy a complex maritime threat network involving dispersed mine-laying craft, explosive-laden boats and shore-based missile batteries, reports said.

President Donald Trump said US forces had already targeted vessels suspected of participating in the mining effort.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:

“I am pleased to report that within the last few hours, we have hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine laying boats and/or ships, with more to follow!”

Warning to Tehran

Trump also issued a direct warning to Iran, demanding the immediate removal of any mines from the strait.

“If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY! If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before.”

The US President added that Washington would destroy any vessel attempting to mine the waterway.

“Additionally, we are using the same Technology and Missile capabilities deployed against Drug Traffickers to permanently eliminate any boat or ship attempting to mine the Hormuz Strait. They will be dealt with quickly and violently. BEWARE!”

Threat of overwhelming retaliation

In a separate message, Trump warned that any attempt by Iran to disrupt oil shipments through the strait would trigger overwhelming US retaliation.

“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far.”

He added that Washington could also strike targets that would cripple Iran’s ability to rebuild.

“Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them — But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!”

Trump said the US action was aimed at protecting the global energy supply and countries dependent on the shipping route.

“This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait.”

However, a Reuters report said the US Navy has refused near-daily requests from the shipping industry for military escorts through the Strait of Hormuz, saying the risk of attacks is too high for now.

The ‌Navy's assessments spell continued disruption to Middle East oil exports and reflect a divergence from President Donald Trump’s statements that the US is prepared to provide naval escorts whenever needed to restart regular shipments along the key waterway, it noted.