Khaberni - The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed on Thursday that his country does not plant mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic global oil passage, after accusations were directed by Washington in this regard.
In response to a question about statements made by President Donald Trump regarding strikes on Iranian ships planting mines, Majid Takht Ravanchi said, "This is not true, at all."
The Iranian official also clarified that several countries have requested permission for their ships to pass through the strait and they have received cooperation.
This comes after two sources familiar with American intelligence reports told CNN that Iran had indeed started laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of the world's oil trade.
According to the sources, Iran has deployed only a few dozen naval mines in recent days, but this move is seen as an indication of Tehran's readiness to expand its operations in the strait if military tensions in the region escalate.
