US Intelligence Sources: Iran Beginning to Lay Naval Mines in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has reportedly begun deploying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, according to two sources within American intelligence cited by CNN on Wednesday (11 March 2026). According to CNN’s report, whilst the scale of Iran’s mine-laying operations remains limited, the deployment has occurred over the past several days.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which now effectively controls the Strait of Hormuz alongside the Iranian Navy, possesses the capability to deploy a range of mine-laying vessels, explosives-laden ships, and missile batteries distributed along the coast. Previously, the IRGC warned that any vessel daring to transit the Strait of Hormuz would be attacked, and it has closed the strait since the outbreak of war.

CNN sources described the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz as resembling a “valley of death” given the risks posed by vessel transit activities. US officials said on Tuesday (10 March 2026) that the US Navy is not conducting escort operations for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, despite President Donald Trump previously stating that he was considering such an option.