Strait of Hormuz dotted with about a dozen Iranian mines, U.S. officials say

U.S. officials have identified approximately a dozen Iranian mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping chokepoint through which roughly one-third of seaborne oil passes. The discovery comes as President Trump has backed away from threats to strike Iran's energy infrastructure, citing productive peace negotiations between the two nations. The mines represent a potential maritime hazard that could disrupt international commerce and complicate shipping routes in one of the world's most strategically important waterways. Trump's decision to step back from military strikes suggests a shift toward diplomatic engagement despite the Iranian military presence in the region. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran over regional security and maritime safety.