The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil traded passes, has been a point of contention during the conflict between the US and Iran since the war started
The Pentagon has informed the US Congress that it could take six months to fully clear the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian military mines and the task is unlikely to be carried out until the conflict ends, the Washington Post reported. This comes as images circulating on social media claims to show Iran laying more mines.
Some X social media users claim satellite images shows Iranian gunboats moving towards the Iranian coastlines after travelling from the middle of the Strait of Hormuz, laying mines. The Mirror has not been able to independently verify the images.
Another X user wrote: “If I was a betting man, I’d say the IRGC is laying mines in the middle of the Hormuz transit channel today with dozens and dozens of speedboats.”
The strait has been a point of contention during the conflict between the US and Iran. The US and Israel carried out joint strikes on several key Iranian sites since February 28 and Iran retaliated by closing the trade route through which 20% of global oil traded passes.
The US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz to chose the Iranian economy, lift the closure and pressure negotiations.
Iran has been accused of laying mines in the strait, making it dangerous for ships to pass through the route and disrupting global economies.
