ChainThink report, March 11: According to two sources familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments cited by CNN, Iran has begun deploying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most critical energy transit corridor, responsible for approximately one-fifth of global crude oil shipments.

The sources indicate that the current mine-laying scale remains limited, with roughly dozens of mines laid in recent days. However, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) still retains control over about 80% to 90% of its small vessels and mine-laying ships, theoretically enabling the rapid deployment of hundreds of mines within a short timeframe. These could be coordinated with dispersed mine-laying craft, explosive delivery platforms, and land-based missile batteries to establish a maritime blockade.

President Donald Trump took to social media to warn that if Iran lays mines in the Strait of Hormuz without immediate clearance, it will face “unprecedented military consequences.” He further stated that the United States has already deployed substantial naval forces in the region and possesses proven mine-clearance capabilities.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed that, under presidential directive, U.S. Central Command is actively targeting and neutralizing relevant mine-laying vessels to ensure maritime route security.

Currently, crude oil transport at around 15 million barrels per day and refined product flows of approximately 4.5 million barrels per day in the Persian Gulf are facing heightened uncertainty, triggering market concerns over potential supply disruptions. Following the release of this news, international oil prices experienced significant volatility, fluctuating between $80 and $90 per barrel.