Bangladesh, March 11 -- Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important energy chokepoint, which carries about one-fifth of all crude oil, according to two sources familiar with US intelligence, CNN reports.

The mining is not extensive yet, with a few dozen having been laid in recent days, the sources said. But Iran still retains upward of 80% to 90% of its small boats and mine layers, one of the sources said, so its forces could feasibly lay hundreds of mines in the waterway.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which now effectively controls the strait along with Iran's traditional navy, has the capability to deploy a "gauntlet" of dispersed mine-laying craft, explosive-laden boats and shore-based ...