영상이란, 또 호르무즈에 기뢰 심었다…전쟁 후 두 번째[美-이란전쟁]

Iranian Forces Deploy More Mines in Strategic Waterway
Reports indicate that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard naval units have carried out a second round of mine-laying operations in the Hormuz Strait waterway since hostilities began. Intelligence sources confirm the recent deployment, though exact quantities remain classified by American defense officials.

Small Vessels Enable Continued Mining Capability
Despite earlier American claims of destroying most Iranian mine-deployment infrastructure—including large specialized vessels and storage facilities—Tehran has demonstrated continued operational capacity. Military analysts believe Iran maintains stockpiles of mines along coastal areas, which can be deployed using compact, high-speed patrol craft.

These smaller boats represent what experts call “asymmetric warfare assets”—equipment capable of achieving significant strategic impact despite modest scale. Each vessel can transport several mines while also carrying weaponry suitable for engaging larger commercial shipping. Iran reportedly maintains dozens of such craft in operational readiness.

Presidential Order: No Hesitation in Engagement
The American President issued direct commands to naval forces via social media platform, authorizing immediate engagement of any vessel—regardless of size—observed placing mines in the strait’s waters. The directive emphasized that military personnel should act without hesitation when encountering such activities.

Additionally, the President ordered a threefold expansion of ongoing mine-clearance efforts. American naval operations currently employ unmanned underwater vehicles equipped with sonar technology to locate submerged explosives without endangering crew members. Specialized mine-countermeasure ships may also be participating in removal operations.

Extended Timeline for Waterway Reopening
Defense analysts project a minimum six-month timeframe required to clear just the initial wave of deployed mines. Pentagon representatives conveyed this assessment during closed-door legislative briefings, indicating that complete removal of underwater hazards will demand sustained effort over an extended period.

The prospect of restoring full navigation through the critical shipping channel grows increasingly distant as additional mines continue appearing in the waterway. This development compounds the already substantial challenge facing international mine-clearance operations.