U.S. Destroys Iranian Naval Vessels Including 16 Minelayers Near Strait of Hormuz

Melbourne, March 11: United States forces have destroyed several Iranian naval vessels, including 16 mine-laying ships, near the Strait of Hormuz as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.

The strikes were carried out on Tuesday after reports suggested that Iran had begun placing sea mines in the crucial shipping corridor. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, carrying about 20 percent of the global oil supply.

The Trump administration has emphasised that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is a strategic priority, particularly after repeated attacks on oil tankers in the region. The strait has effectively been disrupted since the war began 11 days ago.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran against placing explosives in the waterway, saying there would be severe military consequences if such actions continued.

“If Iran has put any mines in the Hormuz Strait, they must be removed immediately,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “If they are not removed forthwith, the military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before.”

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released footage on social media platform X showing multiple Iranian vessels being destroyed during the operation.

https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2031489675760640370?s=20

Footage shows U.S. forces destroying Iranian naval vessels, including 16 minelayers, near the Strait of Hormuz on March 10.

According to reports, despite the destruction of more than 50 Iranian naval vessels since the conflict began, Tehran still retains over 80 percent of its small boats and mine-laying capabilities that could potentially be used to block the strategic strait.

Estimates suggest that Iran may possess between 2,000 and 6,000 naval mines, though the exact number remains unknown.

The Trump administration has emphasised that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is a strategic priority, particularly after repeated attacks on oil tankers in the region. The strait has effectively been disrupted since the war began 11 days ago.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said the U.S. military targeted Iranian mine-laying vessels specifically to prevent them from deploying explosives in the narrow shipping channel.

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States is considering several options to ensure that the strait remains open and that global oil supplies can continue to flow.

The ongoing conflict and fears of a blockade have already triggered volatility in global energy markets. The price of Brent crude oil surged to $119.50 per barrel during the crisis—about 65 percent higher than pre-war levels—before dropping below $90 on Monday.