The US military has destroyed several Iranian ships believed to be capable of laying sea mines near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to US Central Command, as concerns grow about Tehran trying to disrupt shipping in the vital waterway.In a post on X, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said US forces targeted and destroyed several Iranian naval vessels on Tuesday.
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“US forces destroyed several Iranian naval vessels on March 10, including 16 deminers near the Strait of Hormuz,” the command said, sharing a video showing some of the strikes.
This claim came after statements by US President Donald Trump, who earlier said that US forces had struck Iranian ships capable of laying mines in the region.
But interestingly, according to Trump, 10 ships were destroyed, which contradicts the military’s claim of 16 ships. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I am pleased to report that over the past few hours, we have struck and completely destroyed 10 inactive mine-laying boats and/or ships, with more to come!”
The US President also warned Tehran against deploying sea mines in the main shipping lane. He added: “If Iran plants any mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and we have no reports of it doing so, we want them removed immediately!” books.
Trump added that failure to remove such mines could lead to a strong military response. “If mines are planted for any reason, and they are not removed immediately, the military consequences for Iran will be at an unprecedented level,” he said, adding that removing any mines would help ease tensions. “On the other hand, if they remove what was put in, it would be a giant step in the right direction.”
This warning comes after reports published by CBS News, citing American officials, indicated that Iran may be preparing to deploy naval mines in the strait.
People familiar with US intelligence told CNN that a small number of mines may have already been placed in the waterway. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, with approximately 20% of the oil traded globally passing through it every day.Control of the waterway is shared by the Iranian Navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has warned of the possibility of targeting ships crossing the canal.Since the war escalated, officials have described the strait as a high-risk transit zone for commercial shipping.
