The United States Navy has destroyed 16 Iranian boats suspected of preparing to lay naval mines near the Strait of Hormuz, marking one of the most direct maritime confrontations in the ongoing Gulf War. According to the United States military, the vessels were targeted after intelligence suggested they were equipped for mine-laying operations in the strategic waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Officials from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strike on Tuesday and released unclassified footage showing several Iranian vessels being destroyed during the operation. The incident unfolded as tensions in the Gulf region intensified, with Washington warning Tehran against any attempt to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump had earlier threatened severe retaliation if Iran attempted to block the vital oil route, saying the United States would respond “twenty times harder” if the waterway was targeted. The confrontation comes as the wider conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran entered its eleventh day, with military activity expanding across several parts of the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz has long been considered one of the most strategically sensitive maritime chokepoints in the world. Any attempt to mine the narrow shipping corridor could potentially disrupt global oil shipments and trigger sharp spikes in energy prices.
Despite the destruction of the boats, President Trump said there were no confirmed reports that Iran had successfully planted explosives in the channel. However, the US military said the operation was intended to prevent any attempt to mine the waterway before it could threaten commercial shipping.
CENTCOM released footage showing what it described as Iranian mine-laying vessels operating in the area before they were destroyed. Officials said the move was part of broader efforts to protect maritime trade routes and ensure that international shipping continues to move safely through the Gulf.
The maritime confrontation comes amid escalating military activity across the region. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that American forces are prepared to launch more intense strikes if Iranian attacks on US personnel or regional infrastructure continue.
The Pentagon said around 140 American service members have been wounded since the start of the war, though most injuries were minor and more than a hundred troops have already returned to duty. The conflict has also triggered strikes and counterattacks across several countries in the Middle East.
Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed multiple people, while Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain also reported incoming Iranian attacks, with air defence systems activated to intercept missiles and drones.
Meanwhile, Iranian leaders have continued to reject calls for negotiations and have warned that oil exports from the region could be halted. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it would not allow “even a single litre of oil” to be exported to what it described as hostile nations.
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