00:02The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy choke points, is now a focal
00:08point in the U.S. conflict with Iran. President Trump is warning Iran not to attempt to plant
00:13mines in the waterway, saying if it does, the consequences will be severe. The president
00:19said on Truth Social Tuesday, if Iran has placed mines in the strait, they must be removed
00:24immediately, warning any attempt to disrupt shipping there would trigger military consequences
00:29at a level never seen before. His threat comes as U.S. intelligence indicates Iran has begun
00:36placing a limited number of mines in the narrow channel, though officials say the effort is not
00:42extensive so far. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of the world's oil. Late last
00:48night, the Pentagon said U.S. forces have now struck at least 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the
00:55strait. U.S. Central Command also posted this video on X showing munitions striking several of
01:01the boats, right there. The White House says the U.S. Navy has not yet escorted oil tankers
01:06through the strait, despite a now-deleted social media post from Energy Secretary Chris Wright that
01:13suggested otherwise. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt cleared up the confusion Tuesday.
01:19Yes, I was made aware of this post. I haven't had a chance to talk to the Energy Secretary about
01:23it
01:23directly. However, I know the post was taken down pretty quickly, and I can confirm that the U.S. Navy
01:29has not escorted a tanker or a vessel at this time, though, of course, that's an option the president
01:34has said he will absolutely utilize if and when necessary at the appropriate time. Meanwhile, a projectile
01:41hit a cargo ship early this morning, setting the vessel on fire. The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations
01:47Center says the crew was forced to evacuate. Ship traffic through the strait has largely stalled,
01:53leaving millions of barrels of oil effectively stranded in the Gulf and sending energy markets
01:58on a volatile ride.
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