The Iranian navy reportedly placed new underwater mines in the Strait of Hormuz this week, while the United States has sent a third aircraft carrier to the region, foreign media report.
The report, citing a US official and another source familiar with the matter, said US forces had discovered the operation and were closely monitoring it. Officials said they knew the exact number of mines planted, but declined to make the figure public.
After being briefed on the new developments, President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy through a post on Truth Social to shoot down any Iranian ship caught laying mines, "without hesitation."
Ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted since the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran on February 28, while a US naval blockade was declared on April 13.
About 20 percent of global oil supply passes through the strait every day, while the increased uncertainty has driven up oil prices, as well as transportation and insurance costs.
