The possibility of sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz is raising danger levels in the economically critical waterway and causing ripples around the globe.
The U.S. claims it “eliminated” 16 mine-laying vessels on Tuesday, following reports of Iran laying about a dozen mines in the strait.
Though U.S. President Donald Trump has said he’s not aware of any mines that were actually laid, he warned that if they were, Iran must remove them immediately or face military consequences.
Around 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas supply normally flows through the narrow waterway, but military action in the region has caused traffic to fall sharply, with oil prices spiking as a result. Iran has vowed to shut down traffic in the strait, with its military command saying on Wednesday that the world should prepare for prices as high as $200 US per barrel.
