The Strait Was Extensively Mined During the Iran–Iraq War, Damaging Tankers

During the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988), both sides used the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf as a battlefield — a conflict dubbed the 'Tanker War.' Iran mined the waters extensively, damaging dozens of oil tankers. The US launched Operation Earnest Will in 1987 to escort Kuwaiti tankers, resulting in naval skirmishes with Iranian forces.

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https://history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/wars-conflicts-and-operations/earnest-will.html

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Published: April 8, 2026
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Hormuz Military & Defense History

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