If Iran is mining the Strait of Hormuz, does Trump hold the cards in the war anymore? | Bibi, Tehran

Day 12 of the Iran war and the conflict is entering one of the most dangerous waters, the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow stretch of water carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil and almost all of Qatar’s LNG exports. But what happens if this global energy artery is suddenly weaponised? The United States now claims Iran may be preparing to lay naval mines in the strait, one of the simplest yet most disruptive tools in naval warfare. Mines are cheap, hard to detect, and devastating for shipping. Even a few explosions could force tankers to halt, insurers to withdraw coverage, and global energy markets to panic. In this episode of HT In-Depth, we break down how the Strait of Hormuz became the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoint. How dependent are Gulf economies on this narrow corridor? How could Iran actually mine the strait? And if it happens, how long would it take the United States to reopen it? From past mine warfare in the Gulf to the current tensions unfolding in real time, this explainer looks at a frightening possibility: a war that doesn’t need to sink fleets, only make the sea too dangerous to sai