Hegseth Says U.S. Has Not Confirmed Iranian Mining In Key Oil Route

The U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States has no clear evidence that Iran has begun placing new naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. According to reporting by CBS News, U.S. officials have heard Iranian discussions about mining the waterway but have not confirmed any new deployments.

Hegseth and Dan Caine briefed reporters at the Pentagon on the latest developments in the conflict with Iran. Caine said U.S. forces continue striking Iranian missile systems and naval capabilities to protect commercial shipping in the region.

Reporter: Is Iran placing new mines?

Hegseth: We’ve heard them talk about it, just as you’ve reported on it recklessly and wildly. But we have no clear evidence of that. pic.twitter.com/0hKLdwzMPM

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 13, 2026

Since the war began on February 28, the report said the United States has struck roughly 6,000 targets inside Iran. Hegseth said Iranian missile activity has dropped sharply as a result of the campaign.

Oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel amid the conflict, raising economic concerns even as the administration of Donald Trump says the war could end soon.

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff