Mark Halperin

Attention now shifting to threats from the sea floor.

U.S.

intelligence assets now seeing signs that Iran is prepping to deploy mines within the Strait of Hormuz's shipping lanes.

Report CBS News, the Iranians reportedly using smaller vessels carrying two to three mines each with estimates indicating the country possesses anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 of the devices.

The development raising concerns Iran could endanger oil tanker traffic through the narrow strait responsible for moving roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply.

president trump issuing a warning to iran yesterday afternoon on true social quote if iran has put out any mines in the hormuz strait and we have no reports of them doing so we want them removed immediately if for any reason trump continued mines were placed and they are not removed forthwith the military consequences to iran

will be at a level never seen before.

Mr. Trump following up in another post shortly after, quote, I am pleased to report that within the last few hours we have hit and completely destroyed 10 inactive mine-laying boats and or ships with more to follow.

With concerns growing about the potential impact on oil markets and gas prices here at home, Levitt describing what victory will look like to President Trump.

As Operation Epic Fury rages on, Americans beginning to feel the costs here at home.

Gasoline prices on the rise this week.

The national average sitting at $3.54 per gallon for regular, a 43 cent increase compared to last week and a 62 cent increase from last month, according to AAA.

Though higher than recent months, the national average is still much lower than the pandemic-era peak of just over $5 per gallon.

Crude oil prices at $86 per barrel as of yesterday afternoon.

California, reporting the highest prices, had an average of $5.29 per gallon.

Kansas, with the cheapest average at $2.96.

The price increase is adding new pressure on the president's affordability messaging ahead of November's midterms.

Though, of course, much could depend on how long the spike lasts.

Prolonged high costs risk fueling voter frustrations ahead of those crucial elections.

CBS News speaking to Americans about the pain at the pump.