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

The Strait of Hormuz remains a global focus. According to CBS citing U.S. intelligence sources, Iran may be preparing to deploy mines in the shipping lanes of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran might use small boats capable of carrying two to three mines to lay them, with an estimated 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. Currently, only dozens of mines have been deployed, 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 be cleared 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!”

U.S. Energy Secretary makes false claim

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright mistakenly claimed on social media that the U.S. Navy escorted a tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified to reporters, “The U.S. Navy has not escorted any tankers or ships at this time.”

“I’ve seen the post, and I haven’t had a chance to speak directly with the Secretary of Energy about it,” Leavitt said. “However, I know the post was quickly deleted.”

Previously, Wright had posted, “The U.S. Navy successfully escorted a tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the continuous global supply of oil.”

The International Energy Agency (IEA) will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss the possible release of emergency reserves. The organization’s over 30 member countries, mainly developed economies in Europe, North America, and Northeast Asia, collectively hold 1.2 billion barrels of oil reserves.

Hegseth: The most intense day of strikes

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated, “Today will again be the most intense day of strikes inside Iran.” He pointed out that in the past 24 hours, the U.S. saw “the lowest number of missiles launched by Iran to date,” and condemned Iran for unprovoked attacks on its Gulf neighbors, some of which were once allies.

He said the goals include destroying Iran’s missile stockpiles and manufacturing capabilities; “destroying their navy”; and “permanently depriving Iran of the possibility of possessing nuclear weapons.”

Russia does not share intelligence with Iran

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said that Russian leaders denied during a call with Trump on Monday that they shared intelligence with Iran during the war.

$1 below Tuesday news====

Oil tanker delays before passing through the Strait of Hormuz; no ships have crossed. Trump at press conference: Iran’s war will end soon but no promise on timing

Oil prices plunged nearly 10%, with Brent futures dropping 9% to as low as $90.3, and NY futures down 8% to as low as $87. Following Trump’s speech, data from shipping sources indicated dozens of oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, seemingly attempting to breach the passage, led by a Gambian-flagged tanker FAREEDA 5, which at one point approached the vicinity of the strait but ultimately retreated back into the sea before passing through. As of 1 p.m., no ships had crossed.

According to semi-official Iranian media Fars News Agency, a senior Iranian military officer 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 warned that oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz “must be very cautious,” stating, “As long as the situation remains unsafe, I believe all oil tankers and all maritime navigation must remain highly vigilant.” He added that targeting U.S. military bases and assets in the region is “legal” under international law, based on Article 51 of the UN Charter.

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

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

U.S. military transport aircraft appeared earlier today.

Trump stated that the U.S. has deployed formidable military and mine-clearing equipment in the Strait of Hormuz, and that if necessary, will provide “political risk insurance” and personally escort commercial ships. He emphasized that the U.S. will not allow Iran to cut off global oil supplies.

Trump held a press conference, refusing to promise that the war would end “within days or this week,” but stressing it would be “very quick.” He said that because Iran’s military assets (navy, air force, radar, leadership, etc.) have been almost entirely destroyed, the operation will not take long. He noted the current military progress is unprecedented; what was originally expected to take a month has already been achieved ahead of schedule.

He claimed to have inflicted severe damage on Iran’s military, sinking 51 naval vessels, destroying drone manufacturing facilities, and reducing missile capabilities to below 10%. Over 5,000 targets have been struck, including high-value strategic targets, and Iran’s top leadership has been eliminated two to three times. Deep underground nuclear facilities intended for covert reconstruction have been destroyed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

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

He expressed hope that Iran would nominate a new leadership willing to pursue peace. He was disappointed that Iran’s choice for a new supreme leader was the son of Khamenei.

He emphasized that maintaining the Strait’s open passage is mainly to stabilize the global economy, and specifically mentioned that this action actually helps countries like China that rely on the route. “I want to keep it open. I want to keep it in good condition. You know, it doesn’t affect us as much as it does China. We are actually helping China and other countries because they get a lot of energy from the Strait. But we have a good relationship with China. I’m proud 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 with great success. Over the past nine days, we launched the most powerful and complex military strikes and tactical exercises ever seen in the world. If you combine these actions with others—such as Operation Midnight Hammer, which eliminated Iran’s nuclear threat entirely, and the significant successes in Venezuela and elsewhere—you will see a historic moment; great victories everywhere.”

“While advancing these operations, we also made major progress in achieving military objectives. Some might say these goals are already quite well achieved. We have thoroughly and completely eliminated every armed force inside Iran. Most of Iran’s navy has been sunk, lying at the bottom of the sea. Just received reports of 51 vessels. I didn’t even know they had so many ships, but 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%, possibly lower. We also precisely targeted their missile manufacturing and transportation facilities. So far, we have struck over 5,000 targets, including very strategic ones. But we have kept some of the most important targets in reserve. If we strike those, they will need many years to rebuild, affecting power generation and many other critical infrastructures. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, we do not intend to go that far. These targets are easy to hit, but hitting them would cause catastrophic consequences. We are watching and waiting to see what happens before deciding whether to strike. We could destroy all of them in a day.”

“But all these actions have caused about 90% of the total capacity in various sectors to decline, especially Iran’s missile launchers. As you know, drone launchers have also decreased by 83%. Drone launchers are almost destroyed; Iran’s missile launchers have declined by over 90%. These are highly sophisticated, hard-to-replicate devices. Usually, with our advanced equipment and many highly intelligent personnel, once they launch a missile from a launcher, we can accurately destroy that launcher within five minutes or less.”

“So now, we have low-cost interception systems that effectively counter Iran’s drones; our B-2 bombers recently dropped dozens of 2,000-pound bombs across Iran to destroy missile launchers, often penetrating underground soil that cannot withstand such penetrations. We are also destroying their industrial bases for manufacturing drones and missiles at an unprecedented speed. We know their locations precisely and are eliminating them rapidly. Our progress has far exceeded initial timelines. I dare say, we probably never imagined we could make such progress in just a month.”

“Additionally, we have eliminated their top leadership two or three times. As you know, we had to intervene. We don’t want a future president (if it’s someone else) to refuse to do what I decisively did, which would cause us to fall into the same quagmire again in five or ten years. So, we believe they should nominate a new president or national leader capable of genuine change and peace. For 47 years, they have been killing. Forty-seven years! Whether it’s military explosions or the USS Cole attack, they have been deeply involved, despite denying it. They are deeply involved in all these tragedies caused by roadside bombs. Those who died, and now those who have lost legs, arms, or have severe facial injuries—this Iranian regime has been attacking Americans and spreading terrorism worldwide for 47 years.”

“Despite numerous opportunities to abandon nuclear ambitions—just recently, they clung to this ambition and even told Witkoff that they wanted to continue building nuclear weapons. If we hadn’t launched Midnight Hammer, destroyed their nuclear capabilities, they would have nuclear weapons by now, and they would have used them. At least Israel would be facing annihilation. We are very fortunate to have the courage to act, with talented pilots and excellent equipment. The B-2 bombers are incredible. (By the way, we have ordered 25 upgraded, better versions.) We have the greatest military in the world, far ahead of others. Wherever we go, you can see it. But you still need the best personnel to operate and use it, and those are the talents we cherish.”

“Even after thoroughly destroying their key nuclear facilities, during Operation Midnight Hammer, they never seriously negotiated. They still insist on producing nuclear weapons, insisting on enriching uranium to unacceptable levels. They even rejected a generous offer to supply nuclear fuel for free for civilian purposes indefinitely. We proposed to supply nuclear fuel for free, but they weren’t interested because they only want to make nuclear weapons.”

“So, the regime is trying to secretly rebuild its weapons program elsewhere. They can’t go back to the three sites we destroyed, so they are working at another location, in a different concealed terrain, protected by hard granite. They want protection, and granite is very strong, but they want to go deeper underground. They have started this process and are rapidly manufacturing conventional ballistic missiles. They plan to push forward on both fronts simultaneously, which directly threatens our overseas bases and could soon impact the U.S. homeland. Their evil intent is to use this exponential growth of ballistic missile threats to make it nearly impossible for the outside world to prevent their eventual acquisition of nuclear weapons.”

“Therefore, as you might see, they once had an astonishing number of missiles, most of which are now expended or destroyed, and their use has been very unsuccessful because we can largely intercept and shoot them down. The Patriot missiles and other advanced systems perform astonishingly well. Our laser technology, which is about to be fully operational, will allow us to intercept targets with extremely low-cost laser weapons, precisely striking targets.”

“The situation is rapidly approaching an irreversible point, and the U.S. considers this absolutely intolerable. Based on intelligence—deeply involved—I thought they were about to attack us. I firmly believe that if we hadn’t preempted, they intended to attack the U.S… If you notice, they did something extremely foolish—they attacked their neighbors. And their neighbors are basically neutral or at least not involved in the conflict, yet they were attacked without cause. This backfired strongly; those neighbors immediately turned to us and began to fight back, and they are very successful. Look at Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other countries—they are strong and smart but were attacked. When I first heard this, I said no, surely there was a mistake. But it wasn’t. The UAE was hit by over 1,000 missiles but nearly all were shot down.”

“On my first day in 2015, I said, ‘I will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.’ What I am doing now is fulfilling that promise. Think about it—back in 2015, I issued warnings. It was a threat, which later became a bigger threat, but now it’s no longer a threat, at least for a long time. We want to keep it that way.”

“As we continue Operation Epic Fury, we are also highly focused on ensuring the smooth flow of global energy and oil. I will never allow a terrorist regime to hold the world hostage and try to cut off global oil supplies. If Iran takes any reckless action, they will face far more devastating strikes than now. I will destroy those critical infrastructure targets I just mentioned. We will do it very quickly. They will never recover. If they want to play this dangerous game, they better think twice. In the long run, without Iranian ships, drones, missiles, nuclear threats, or other threats, oil supplies will be much safer. Therefore, the Strait of Hormuz will remain absolutely secure. We have deployed a large number of powerful naval vessels there, with the world’s most advanced mine-clearing equipment. Again, most of their vessels are already at the bottom of the sea.”

“But we will strike them so fiercely that they or anyone trying to help them will never regain influence in that region, as long as they dare to act recklessly. Over recent years, this regime and its terrorist proxies have indiscriminately attacked hundreds of commercial ships. We are ending this threat thoroughly. The ultimate result will be a significant reduction in oil and natural gas prices for American families. We have already achieved that, bringing prices down very low. This is a necessary military action to address a problem that must be solved. We are very close to fully accomplishing this goal.”

“Meanwhile, during this brief interruption, the U.S. will provide political risk insurance to any oil tanker operating in the Persian Gulf. We are offering solid risk coverage, and perhaps we will escort them personally through the strait. I don’t think it will be necessary, but if needed, we will escort them safely through. We have the world’s most powerful mine-clearing capabilities, the largest invincible fleet, and we know exactly where their minefields are. We will clear them very quickly. But we hope it won’t come to that. Again, if they do this, if they play that sneaky game, we will strike them with unprecedented severity.”

“So we are winning this very decisively. Our progress is far ahead. Our military is the greatest in the world, equipped with the best gear and the most talented personnel. No one has seen anything like this. Iran was once a very powerful country. They tried to take over the Middle East. If we hadn’t struck first, they would have taken over the Middle East long ago. They stockpiled thousands of missiles and other deadly weapons since their last strike. Most of these have now been destroyed. But they tried to take over the Middle East. These weapons targeted innocent Middle Eastern countries unrelated to this. They wanted to take over the Middle East and destroy Israel. We stopped all this madness in time, with perfect timing. If it starts again, they will face even harsher retaliation.”

$1 below Monday news====

Iran: Will choose new leader within 24 hours; UK plans to send two aircraft carriers; Trump: No need to wait for victory to fight

Trump, speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, said unconditional surrender means “they surrender, or when they can no longer fight, and no one around them can surrender either, that might happen because you know we have eliminated many of their leaders.” Regarding ships not passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, “That’s their choice. But we’ve cleared them out; we’ve sunk their navy. Their navy is now at the bottom of the sea.”

He continued, “We expect oil prices to rise, and that’s expected. But they will also fall. They will fall very quickly.” Trump said he would use strategic oil reserves when appropriate.

As for deploying ground troops, Trump said it must be for very solid reasons, “If we do that, they will face devastating strikes so they cannot fight on the ground.” He also said he does not want the Kurds involved, nor does he want this war to become more complicated, “I’ve told them I don’t want them to go in.”

Trump said, “We’ve taken out one leadership layer, then the second, and now they are at the third or fourth layer, and they have leaders nobody even knows.”

According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, member Ayatollah Mozafari reported that Iran’s expert council plans to hold a meeting within 24 hours to elect a new supreme leader. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson told state TV that Iran is “completely prepared to continue intense, full-scale war for at least six months at the current pace.”

Additionally, Iran’s president said he has instructed the military not to attack any countries that have not attacked Iran, despite attacks on the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others.

Dubai media office issued a statement that Dubai International Airport has temporarily ceased all operations for security reasons.

UAE President issued a rare warning to the country’s “enemies” not to mistake Dubai’s prosperity for weakness. As Iran continues attacks on this Gulf nation, he said, “The UAE is tough and resilient, not an easy target,” and visited a hospital where injured civilians from Iran’s attacks are being treated.

Several European officials have revealed that Saudi Arabia has increased direct contacts with Iran, trying to curb Middle East war, which has caused serious turmoil and pressure on global markets.

On the oil production front, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) said it is “managing” offshore oil output levels to meet storage demands. The company continues to utilize alternative export routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and its international storage facilities to ensure supplies reach global customers.

Trump posted on Truth Social that “the UK, our once-great ally—and perhaps the greatest—has finally seriously considered sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. No problem, Prime Minister Sunak, we no longer need them—but we will remember. We don’t need to wait until we’ve won the war to come in!”

Trump also claimed that Iran, which is suffering heavy blows, has apologized and surrendered to neighboring Middle Eastern countries, promising not to fire on them again. This promise was made solely because of relentless American and Israeli attacks. They initially aimed to take over and dominate the entire Middle East. This is Iran’s first defeat by neighboring Middle Eastern countries in thousands of years. They said, “Thank you, President Trump.” I replied, “You’re welcome!” Iran is no longer “the Middle East bully”; instead, they are “the Middle East losers,” and will remain so for decades until they surrender or, more likely, collapse entirely. Today, Iran will face a heavy blow! Due to Iran’s malicious actions, some areas and populations that have not yet been targeted are being seriously considered for complete destruction and inevitable death.

$1 below Saturday news====

U.S. provides $20 billion reinsurance for oil tankers; Trump: Weapons production tripled

After Trump announced a guarantee for insurance on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), CEO Ben Black, and Treasury Secretary Yellen announced that the DFC reinsurance mechanism will provide up to approximately $20 billion in loss coverage, covering oil tankers and other maritime traffic, to promote safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Due to Iran’s war causing the Persian Gulf’s oil tanker traffic to halt, U.S. crude prices surged over 13%, breaking above $91 per barrel. Some Gulf countries, unable to export oil via the strait, have begun reducing production.

Ben Black stated, “We are confident this reinsurance plan will enable oil, gasoline, LNG, jet fuel, and fertilizers to pass smoothly through the Strait of Hormuz and flow back into the global market.”

Source: https://www.dfc.gov/media/press-releases/dfc-announces-20b-plan-maritime-reinsurance-gulf

Meanwhile, Qatar is loading liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Trump posted on Truth Social, “Had a very successful meeting with our largest defense manufacturing companies, discussing capacity and production schedules. They agreed to increase production of the ‘Exquisite Class’ weapons by four times, as we want to reach maximum output as soon as possible.”

“Expansion efforts began three months ago, and many of these weapons’ factories are now under construction and production. We have nearly unlimited supplies of medium and upper-tier munitions, such as those used against Iran and recently in Venezuela. Still, we are increasing orders for these types of weapons.”

Representatives from BAE Systems, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, L3Harris Missile Solutions, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon attended the meeting. A follow-up meeting is scheduled in two months. All states are currently bidding for the setup of these new factories.

Additionally, Yellen indicated that the U.S. might lift further sanctions on Russian oil, “The Treasury Department has agreed to allow our allies, India, to start purchasing Russian oil already at sea, to help alleviate the temporary global oil shortage. We are permitting them to receive this Russian oil. We may also lift sanctions on other Russian oil.”

$1 below Friday news====

US visits White House, meets Trump; US Defense: B-2 bombers dropped dozens of 2,000-pound penetrating bombs; LOCUS drones indispensable

U.S. strikes Iran on the seventh day. Trump met with Miami International FC champions, led by the U.S. military, at the White House. Trump said, “Messi (cheering crowd) is… my son asked, Dad, do you know who’s coming today? I said, I don’t know, I have a lot to do. He said, Messi. I said, really? He’s your biggest fan,” “You might say I’m old, but I’ve watched Billy play, he’s with the Cosmos. You might be better than Billy. Billy’s pretty good. Who’s better? Him or Billy? (pointing at Messi, crowd laughs) Messi! I agree. But… Billy’s also pretty good.”

Regarding Iran, Trump said, “I again call on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, military, and police to lay down their arms. Accept immunity, and we will give you immunity. Otherwise, you will face absolute guaranteed death. I don’t want to see that.”

“He also urged Iranian diplomats worldwide to seek asylum and help us shape a new, better Iran. It’s a country with great potential, alongside us.”

“Iran’s missiles targeted these countries: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and many others. Those who are not really involved were targeted by their missiles long before the conflict started. They aimed at the entire Middle East. Then we came. We destroyed their party.”

The expansion of the Middle East conflict and supply disruptions have raised concerns over global supplies. U.S. benchmark crude (WTI) rose above $80 per barrel for the first time in over a year. U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Bernhardt, said the Biden administration is considering a range of options to address soaring oil and gasoline prices during Iran’s war, “All options are under consideration.” So far, the U.S. has not taken measures to deploy strategic petroleum reserves.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth said, “We are not short of ammunition. Our stockpiles of defensive and offensive weapons allow us to sustain this campaign as needed. Ammunition levels will only increase with advantage,” “The combat power we can project over Iran, combined with Israel’s capabilities, is now several times greater.”

Joint Chief of Staff General Cooper, leading Operation Epic Fury, said over 50,000 troops are involved. In the past hour, B-2 bombers dropped dozens of 2,000-pound penetrating bombs targeting buried ballistic missile launchers. They also struck an Iranian space command-like agency, weakening their ability to threaten Americans.

He said that compared to the first day, Iran’s ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90%, drone attacks by 83%. About 30 ships have been sunk or destroyed. In recent hours, an Iranian drone carrier about the size of a WWII aircraft carrier was hit and is now on fire. The next phase involves systematically dismantling Iran’s future missile production capacity.

He responded to questions, saying they are adjusting Ukraine deployments to counter Iran’s drones.

He also said reports of F-15 being shot down are false; Iran claims 500 Americans have been killed, which is a lie.

Using weapons worth $10,000 to shoot down drones worth $100,000.

Regarding LOCUS drones, he said new capabilities have been deployed for interceptors. Over time, the cost curve for drones has been somewhat reversed. Looking back a few years, it was common to hear that a $2 million missile would shoot down a $50,000 drone. Now, a lot of time has been spent using $10,000 weapons to shoot down $100,000 drones.

But LOCUS drones are indispensable. They are originally designed by Iran. The U.S. captured one, dismantled its internal parts, sent it back to America, labeled it “Made in the USA,” and is now launching them back at Iran.

$1 below Thursday news====

White House: Complete control of Iran’s airspace in the next few hours Spain agrees to cooperate with U.S. military

Sixth day of U.S. bombing Iran. White House Press Secretary Leavitt said that so far, more than 20 Iranian vessels have been destroyed, including the first use of torpedoes since World War II last night, destroying Iran’s top submarine. Currently, no Iranian vessels are operating in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, or Oman Gulf.

Leavitt stated that the U.S. has targeted over 2,000 objectives, destroying hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers, and drones, and expects to fully and thoroughly control Iran’s airspace within hours.

When asked who is giving orders in Iran, Leavitt said intelligence agencies are closely monitoring and paying attention to this matter.

Spain, which initially refused to allow U.S. bases, agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military after pressure from Trump.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Leavitt said that when “appropriate,” the U.S. Navy will begin escorting oil tankers through the strait.

On increasing ammunition stocks, Leavitt said she has not heard the President considering this.

$1 below March 4 news====

Hamad Khamenei’s son reportedly elected as new supreme leader; IRGC: Block Strait of Hormuz

Senior cleric responsible for electing Iran’s next supreme leader held a meeting on Tuesday (March 3), with reports quoting sources that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late leader Ayatollah Khamenei, is likely elected as the new supreme leader. The 56-year-old Mojtaba, Khamenei’s second son, currently commands Iran’s Basij militia.

As Iran’s war enters its fifth day, it has become a contest between the U.S. and Iran for control of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump posted on Truth Socia