The U.S. military destroyed 16 Iranian naval vessels Tuesday after intelligence suggested Iran may deploy sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. A senior U.S. official told Axios the strike was a preemptive action aimed at preventing a potential threat to global shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. About one fifth of global oil shipments pass through the narrow waterway. U.S. officials warned that Iranian mines could severely disrupt international trade and energy supplies.
U.S. forces eliminated multiple Iranian naval vessels, March 10, including 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/371unKYiJs
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 10, 2026
President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran on Truth Social. He said any attempt to mine the strait would trigger military consequences at a level never seen before. Trump added that U.S. forces would quickly destroy any vessel attempting to lay mines.
According to U.S. Central Command, the operation eliminated 16 Iranian vessels. CNN also reported that Iran had begun laying some mines, though officials said the activity was limited.
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