【Iran Crisis】Iran Plans to Deploy Mines in the Strait of Hormuz Trump: Will Face Unprecedented Military Consequences (Updating)

Hormuz Strait remains a global focus. According to CBS, citing U.S. intelligence sources, Iran may be preparing to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran might use small boats capable of carrying two to three mines to lay them, with an estimated current stockpile of about 2,000 to 6,000 mines.

CNN reports, citing two sources familiar with U.S. intelligence, that Iran has begun laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. It is said that only dozens of mines have been deployed so far, but Iran still possesses 80% to 90% of its small boats and minelaying vessels.

President Trump immediately posted on Truth Social, saying, “If Iran has indeed laid any mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and we have no reports of it, we demand they clear them immediately! If they have laid mines for any reason and fail to remove them promptly, Iran will face unprecedented military consequences. Conversely, if they have removed any mines they may have placed, that would be a big step in the right direction! Additionally, we are using the same technology and missile capabilities—originally used to combat drug traffickers—to permanently eliminate any ships or vessels attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. They will be dealt with swiftly and forcefully. Warning!”

Trump continued, “In the past few hours, we have hit and thoroughly destroyed 10 inactive minelaying ships or vessels, and more will follow!”

$1 or less Tuesday update====

Oil Tankers Halted at the Strait of Hormuz, No Passage. Trump at Press Conference: Iran’s War Will End Soon but No Promise of Timing

Oil prices once plunged nearly 10%, with Brent crude dropping 9% to as low as $90.3, and NYMEX crude falling 8% to as low as $87. After Trump’s speech, according to shipping sources, dozens of oil tankers approached the Strait of Hormuz, seemingly attempting to pass. Leading the group was the Gambian-flagged oil tanker FAREEDA 5, which briefly reached near the strait but ultimately retreated back into the sea before passing through. As of 1 p.m., no ships had yet passed.

According to semi-official Iranian media via Fars News Agency, a senior Iranian military official warned, “Until further notice, we will not allow a single liter of oil to be exported to hostile parties and their allies.”

CNBC reports that the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also issued a warning, stating that oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz “must be very cautious,” adding, “As long as the situation remains unsafe, I believe all oil tankers and all maritime navigation must remain highly vigilant.” He said that targeting U.S. military bases and assets in the region is “legal” under international law, based on Article 51 of the UN Charter, as self-defense.

🔴 One senior Iranian military official told Al Mayadeen: Until further notice, we will not allow a single liter of oil to be exported to the hostile side and its allies.

— Fars News Agency (@FarsNews_Agency) March 9, 2026

U.S. military transport aircraft appeared this morning.

President Trump stated that the U.S. military has deployed strong forces and mine-clearing equipment in the Strait of Hormuz, and will provide “political risk insurance” and escort for commercial ships if necessary. He emphasized that the U.S. will never allow Iran to cut off global oil supplies.

In a press conference, Trump refused to promise that the war would end “within days or this week,” but said it would be “very quick.” He pointed out that Iran’s military assets—including navy, air force, radar, and leadership—have been almost entirely destroyed, so the operation will not take long. He claimed the current military progress is unprecedented, with the pace far exceeding initial estimates of a month, now already ahead of schedule.

He announced that Iran’s navy has been decimated, with 51 ships sunk, and its drone manufacturing facilities destroyed, reducing its missile capability to below 10%. Over 5,000 targets have been struck, including high-value strategic targets, with the highest leadership eliminated two to three times. Iran’s secret underground nuclear facilities have been destroyed to prevent nuclear weapons development.

He stated that Iran’s power grid and critical infrastructure remain intact as leverage; any retaliation would bring catastrophic consequences. He said the most dangerous phase of the war was over within three days.

He called for Iran to nominate a new leadership willing to pursue peace. He expressed disappointment that Iran’s Supreme Leader is the son of Khamenei.

He emphasized that securing the Strait is vital for global economic stability, especially to help China and other countries dependent on the route. “I want to keep it open. I want to keep it good. You know, it doesn’t affect us as much as it does China. We’re actually helping China and other countries because they get a lot of energy through this strait. But we have a very good relationship with China. I’m honored to do this.”

Summary of the press conference:

“Over the past weekend, the U.S. military and Israeli Defense Forces continued to execute Operation Epic Fury successfully. Over nine days, we launched the most powerful and complex military strikes and tactical exercises ever seen. Combining these actions with others like Operation Midnight Hammer—eliminating Iran’s nuclear threat—and successes in Venezuela and elsewhere, we have achieved great victories.”

“While advancing these operations, we have also made significant progress in military objectives. Some might say these goals are nearly complete. We have thoroughly and completely eliminated every armed force inside Iran. Most of Iran’s navy has been sunk. I just received reports of 51 ships—more than I knew they had. They didn’t last long. These are combat vessels, meant for fighting, but they are no match for us.”

"We continue to target Iran’s drone and missile capabilities. Their drone numbers have sharply decreased. Their drone manufacturing plants are under full attack from today. We have seized all their drone production sites and are destroying them one by one. Their missile capability has dropped to about 10% or less. We have also precisely targeted their missile manufacturing and transportation facilities. So far, over 5,000 targets have been struck, including major strategic sites. We’ve kept some critical targets in reserve, which would take years to rebuild if hit—affecting power generation and other vital infrastructure. We prefer not to go that far unless absolutely necessary. These targets are