US says it continues to destroy Iran’s minelaying capacity as crucial waterway remains closed

The U.S. military said Thursday that American forces have now struck more than 6,000 targets since the operation against Iran began Feb. 28, including 30-plus mine-laying vessels.

The U.S. wants to prevent any attempt by Iran to plant explosive mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil is shipped.

The war in Iran has ground tanker traffic through the chokepoint to a halt, and oil prices have been swinging sharply. The Islamic Republic vowed to block the region’s oil exports, saying it would not allow “even a single liter” to be shipped to its enemies.  — AP