US attacks Iran’s mine-laying boats in strait of Hormuz as tensions rise over oil

Intelligence sources claim Iran has begun mine laying as US energy secretary backtracks on claim US escorted a ship through strategic chokepoint

HMS Montrose, accompanying the Stena Important and the Sea Ploeg vessels in the Gulf. Picture: UK ministry of defence 

The US military said it attacked and destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the strait of Hormuz amid reports that Iran has begun laying explosive devices in the strategically vital waterway.

Citing intelligence sources, CNN on Tuesday reported that Iran has laid a few dozen mines in the strait in recent days and has the capability to sow hundreds more.