A former communications director for United States Central Command warned that Iran is effectively holding the global energy supply hostage by deploying sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. He described the tactic as a World War I style strategy that relies on simple but dangerous weapons to disrupt one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes.

The sea mines, which Iran has reportedly stockpiled in large numbers, can detonate at or below the water's surface, potentially tearing through ship hulls and disabling or sinking vessels. Their presence creates uncertainty about how many devices are deployed and where they are located, generating fear among commercial shippers and slowing maritime traffic through the strait.

The former official cautioned that the threat is compounded by the reduced number of mine-clearing ships in the United States Navy, a vulnerability he said Iran may be exploiting. Disruptions in the waterway have already driven oil prices higher, as tensions escalate following United States and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

President Donald Trump said the United States would escort ships through the strait if necessary and confirmed recent strikes on military sites on Kharg Island, while avoiding oil infrastructure. Iran's new supreme leader has vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the conflict ends and called for the removal of United States military bases from the region.