There is no ​clear evidence that ‌Iran has placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz, Pete Hegseth said.

The assessment by the US secretary of defence contrasts with news reports earlier this week ‌suggesting ‌Iran ⁠had deployed about a dozen mines in the ⁠conduit for a fifth of the world’s oil.

Asked about the possibility of mines in the ​Strait, Mr Hegseth said: “We’ve heard ‌them talk about it just like you’ve reported recklessly and wildly about it. ‌But... we ​have ⁠no clear evidence of that.”

Dan Caine, the Joint Chiefs of Staff General, added that the US was intent on “going after” Iran’s minelayer capabilities.