US Military Destroys 16 Iranian Mine-Laying Vessels Near Strait of Hormuz

The United States military said it destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz in a strike carried out on March 10.

According to United States Central Command (CENTCOM), U.S. forces targeted several Iranian naval vessels operating close to the strategic waterway. The command said the ships were capable of laying naval mines that could disrupt traffic through the strait.

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said U.S. forces “eliminated multiple Iranian naval vessels, including 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz.” The command also released unclassified video footage showing some of the strikes.

The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. It is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, used to transport a large share of global oil exports.

The operation followed warnings from Donald Trump, who said the United States would respond forcefully if Iran attempted to place mines in the waterway.

In a social media post, Trump said the U.S. military had “completely destroyed” the vessels after reports of Iranian activity in the strait. He also warned that further action could follow.

“If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before,” Trump wrote.

The strikes come amid wider concerns about stability in the region and potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron said leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries would hold a video conference on Wednesday to discuss the economic impact of the escalating tensions in the Middle East.