Anderson Cooper 360 Sources: Iran Laying Mines In The Strait Of Hormuz In Major Escalation
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Mar 11, 2026 
John Miller, CNN law enforcement and intelligence analyst, gives brief domestic security perspective. Captain Jim Staples, cargo ship captain and maritime safety consultant, explains mine clearance and merchant vulnerabilities. Fred Pleitgen, CNN international correspondent, reports from Tehran with on-the-ground accounts. They discuss reports of Iran laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, strikes on mine-laying vessels, and risks to commercial shipping and regional escalation.
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U.S. Strikes Hit Iranian Mine Layers
- U.S. strikes targeted and destroyed roughly 16 small Iranian mine-laying vessels after intelligence showed Iran began laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Natasha Bertrand said Iran laid a couple dozen mines recently but retains most small boats and could scale mining to hundreds.
Reporter Ran From Bombed Site In Tehran
- Fred Pleitgen described hearing jets, anti-aircraft fire, and nearby thuds while filming in Tehran, forcing his team to run from a struck facility.
- He recounted later arriving at another location under attack where explosions rattled their lodging.
Mining Hurts Iran As Well As The World
- Mining the Strait is a desperate asymmetric move because it also chokes Iran's own exports — about 90% of its oil goes through Hormuz.
- Beth Sanner and Brett McGurk note mining raises domestic economic pain but can pressure global markets and U.S. resolve.