Donald Trump has warned Iran it would face an unprecedented military response if mines had been placed in the Strait of Hormuz and were not removed at once.

In a post on Truth Social, the US president said Washington had no confirmation that Tehran had mined the strategic waterway, but made clear that any such move would trigger severe consequences.

He said that if mines had been deployed, the US wanted them cleared immediately. He added that failure to do so would bring a military reaction on a scale “never seen before”.

Trump also suggested that removing any devices already laid would be viewed by Washington as a significant de-escalatory step.

The comments came as oil markets remain on edge over the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.

Meanwhile, CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, reports that American intelligence believes Iran may be preparing to deploy naval mines in the area. According to the broadcaster, the devices could be carried on small boats capable of transporting two or three mines at a time.