A recent American intelligence assessment showed that U.S. forces have identified at least 10 mines in the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. officials with knowledge of the matter. The officials spoke with CBS News anonymously in order to discuss sensitive national security matters.
CBS News previously reported in March that there were at least a dozen underwater mines in the Strait of Hormuz, according to American intelligence assessments at the time. The same month, officials said the mines currently employed by Iran in the strait are the Iranian-manufactured Maham 3 and Maham 7 Limpet mines. Another U.S. official put the count at less than a dozen.
The Maham 3 is a moored naval mine that uses magnetic and acoustic sensors to detect nearby vessels without physical contact. It can engage targets within about 10 feet, analyzing movement to determine the most effective moment to activate.
