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WASHINGTON, March 11 (Reuters) - Iran has deployed about a dozen mines in the Strait of Hormuz, two sources familiar with the matter said, in a move likely to complicate the reopening of the narrow waterway, an important route for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas. Exports of oil and LNG through the strategic chokepoint along Iran's coast have effectively been halted by the war launched 12 days ago by the United States and Israel, helping to drive a surge in world energy prices.

Iran deploys mines in Strait of Hormuz, sources tell Reuters Iran has deployed around a dozen naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially complicating efforts to reopen the crucial shipping route, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, corroborating earlier reporting by CNN.  The strategic waterway, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes, has effectively been shut to exports since the war between the US, Israel and Iran began nearly two weeks ago. According to the sources cited by Reuters, the locations of most of the mines are known, though it remains unclear how the US plans to deal with them. Iran has long warned it could mine the strait in response to military attacks, a move that could give Tehran significant leverage over global energy markets. The US military has targeted Iranian mine-laying vessels, destroying 16 earlier this week. President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran remove any mines from the strait immediately, warning there would be military consequences if it does not.

Why Is the Strait of Hormuz Important?  WSJ

Lloyd’s of London stresses it is still insuring shipping in strait of Hormuz  The Guardian

Iran has laid about a dozen mines in Strait of Hormuz, sources say  Reuters

The Strait of Hormuz isn’t totally closed. Meet the ‘shadow fleet’  Fortune

Centcom: Civilians Should Avoid Strait of Hormuz Ports in Iran  WSJ

Petraeus: Iranian mines in Strait of Hormuz creates ‘real challenge’ for US  The Hill

Iran attacks cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz  Fox News

Macron urges swift G7 action to restore navigation in Strait of Hormuz French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday urged Group of Seven leaders to take swift action to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after the US-Israeli-Iran war brought traffic in the crucial shipping route to a halt. Speaking during a video conference of G7 leaders, Macron stressed the need for coordination to ensure that freedom of navigation is restored "as soon as possible." Macron also called for engagement with other countries to prevent restrictions on oil and gas exports, warning that disruptions could further strain global energy markets

Iran US‑Israel War Latest News: Iran Warns Oil Could Hit $200 Barrel as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Deepens  The Sunday Guardian

Trump says G7 decisions having ‘tremendous impact’ after record oil stock release recommendation US President Donald Trump said decisions taken by world leaders were having a "tremendous impact" during a call with Group of Seven (G7) leaders discussing the war with Iran and its economic fallout. Speaking in a video clip shared by the French presidency, Trump said: "I think we are having a tremendous impact, unbelievable actually, on the world." The G7 meeting chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron came shortly after the International Energy Agency (IEA) recommended releasing 400 million barrels of oil from global reserves to help curb soaring prices linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran.

The Implications of Iran Mining the Strait of Hormuz Are Many—and Ugly  The New Republic

Warning comes as 400 million barrels of oil are being released from global reserves during waterway's closure.

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Oil storage facilities hit in Oman’s Port of Salalah, says British maritime security firm Oil storage facilities at Oman’s Port of Salalah were struck in an apparent drone attack, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey. Ambrey said drones hit fuel tanks at the port, while Oman TV also reported that oil storage facilities had been targeted. The firm added that no damage to merchant vessels had been reported following the incident. The attack comes as Iran continues targeting energy production and storage sites across the Gulf in response to ongoing US and Israeli strikes on the country.

The cause of attacks on the commercial vessels in the strait - a vital corridor for oil - is being investigated.

The United Nations aid chief warned Wednesday that the Middle East war was impacting aid routes and called for "exemptions" so humanitarian supplies could get through. The war in the Middle East has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, while fuel supply disruptions are sending freight rates soaring. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher warned that the escalating war and its impact on the strait was having "a direct impact on our humanitarian supplies, including going to areas of key need in sub-Saharan Africa".

Middle East crisis live: three ships hit in strait of Hormuz as Iran calls US and allied vessels ‘legitimate targets’  The Guardian

Iran war: Cargo ships struck in Strait of Hormuz  FOX 10 Phoenix