Iran holds world energy hostage with 'nightmare' Strait of Hormuz sea mines, former CENTCOM official warns

A former U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) official said Iran is holding the world's energy supply hostage using "World War I-style" tactics.

"These mines are a tool of really psychological warfare. We don't know how many are out there. We don't know where they are. And that creates fear and shuts down flow through the Strait of Hormuz," he said.

Buccino said the mines are becoming a difficult problem, because the U.S. Navy has "decommissioned" most of its mine-clearing ships. He warned that Iran is likely aware of this and is "exploiting a gap" in U.S. naval assets.

"Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran's crown jewel, Kharg Island."

Trump noted the U.S. purposefully avoided targeting the island's oil infrastructure but warned that could change if Iran continues to disrupt shipping.