Iran mines Strait of Hormuz as ceasefire holds, halting global maritime traffic

A fragile ceasefire has taken hold in the Middle East, but Iran's Revolutionary Guard has allegedly laid mines throughout the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Maritime traffic through the strait—through which roughly one-third of the world's traded oil passes—has nearly ceased as shipping companies avoid the waterway due to mine risks. This disruption threatens global energy supplies and economic stability, directly impacting American consumers through potential oil price spikes and broader inflation. International efforts to clear mines and restore safe passage remain ongoing, with no clear timeline for full reopening.