Following reports in the U.S. press regarding allegations that Iran was laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. President Donald Trump said that various Iranian mine-laying vessels had been destroyed in the region.
In a statement on his social media account, Trump said, "I am pleased to report that in the last few hours, we have destroyed 10 mine-laying boats or ships. More to come."
In a previous statement regarding the claims in the press, Trump had said, "If Iran has laid any mines in the Strait of Hormuz, we want them removed immediately.
If the mines were placed for any reason and are not removed immediately, the military consequences for Iran will be at a level never seen before. On the other hand, if they remove any mines that may have been placed, that would be a big step in the right direction."
Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil trade and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) pass through the Strait of Hormuz. About 20 percent of global daily oil consumption, or approximately 20 million barrels per day, passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
News Source: 12punto
