The United States military has destroyed several Iranian vessels believed to be capable of laying naval mines near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as concerns mount over Tehran’s potential efforts to disrupt shipping in the critical waterway.
In a post on X, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said US forces targeted and destroyed multiple Iranian naval vessels on Tuesday.
“US forces eliminated multiple Iranian naval vessels, March 10, including 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said while sharing video footage showing some of the strikes.
The statement followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who earlier said American forces had struck Iranian vessels capable of deploying mines in the region.
However, Trump’s claim differed from the military’s figures. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: “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!”
Trump also warned Tehran against placing naval mines in the vital shipping corridor.
“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!” he wrote.
The US president further cautioned that failing to remove any such mines could trigger a severe military response.
“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 said, adding that removing the devices would help ease tensions.
The warning follows reports by CBS News, citing US officials, that Iran could be preparing to deploy naval mines in the strait. People familiar with US intelligence also told CNN that a small number of mines may already have been placed in the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with roughly 20% of globally traded oil passing through it every day.
Control of the waterway is shared by Iran’s navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has previously warned that ships passing through the channel could be targeted.
Since the conflict escalated, officials have increasingly described the strait as a high-risk transit zone for commercial shipping, raising concerns for global energy markets and maritime trade.
