Angry, Trump Threatens Iran If They Place Mines in Strait of Hormuz

United States President Donald Trump warned Iran about unprecedented military consequences if they place mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s warning came after Tehran vowed that no oil from the Gulf region would pass through the critical waterway.

According to AFP, on Wednesday (11 March 2026), Trump stated on social media that he had not yet received reports of Iran taking such action, but then stated that if Tehran had done so, they must immediately remove the floating explosives.

“If for any reason mines are placed, and not immediately removed, the military consequences for Iran will be at a level never seen before,” Trump said on his Truth social media network.

“If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, that would be a major step in the right direction!”

The United States will also use missiles previously deployed to destroy ships suspected of involvement in drug trafficking in waters off Latin America to “permanently eliminate” mine-laying vessels in the Gulf strait, Trump added.

“They will be handled swiftly and harshly. Beware!” he posted.

His posts emerged after CNN—citing anonymous sources familiar with US intelligence reports—reported that Iran has indeed begun placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil production passes, and where practical traffic has come to a standstill.

The White House had previously stated that the United States had not yet escorted any oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, following an energy minister’s social media account posting but subsequently deleting claims that they had done so.