Fresh tensions have emerged over the Strait of Hormuz, a key Middle Eastern maritime route, after the US President issued a social media warning to Iran. He stated that if any mines had been placed in the strait, they must be removed immediately, though he acknowledged that the United States had no confirmed evidence of such activity. The warning followed media reports citing US military sources suggesting Iran might be laying or preparing to lay mines in the area.

The US Central Command later announced on social media that it had attacked around 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the strait. Analysts noted that the narrow 34-kilometer-wide waterway, partly controlled by Iran, has become a major concern for the United States and Gulf nations. The strait is the only maritime route for oil exports from Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, giving Iran significant strategic leverage.

Experts cautioned that Iran could disrupt tanker traffic using small submarines or fast boats rather than large warships. Earlier, the US energy secretary deleted a post claiming such attacks had already begun after the information proved unverified.