Oil Supply Risks Mount as Iran Lays Mines in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has begun laying naval mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to two people familiar with U.S. intelligence reporting, in what analysts warn could extend the effective blockade of the world’s most critical energy chokepoint and deepen disruption to global oil flows. The mining activity — currently limited to a few dozen mines laid in recent days — represents an escalation in Iran’s campaign to assert control over the narrow waterway, sources said. Tehran still possesses roughly 80%–90% of…