U.S. officials said Tuesday that Iran has deployed naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, placing global oil shipments at risk as tensions in the region continue to escalate. According to a CBS News report citing American officials, at least a dozen mines have been identified in the critical maritime corridor.

The explosives were identified as Iranian-made Maham 3 and Maham 7 limpet mines, typically attached to vessels or placed in shipping lanes. Officials said the mines were likely deployed using small boats capable of carrying multiple devices, positioning them directly along routes used by commercial tankers.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply, making any disruption a significant global economic threat. The presence of mines could allow Iran to restrict or control passage through the narrow waterway, raising the risk of confrontation with international shipping and naval forces operating in the area.

The development follows repeated Iranian threats in recent days to mine the Gulf and potentially shut down the Strait if attacked. U.S. forces have already targeted Iranian maritime assets linked to minelaying operations, as part of a broader effort to maintain open navigation through the region.