Washington – The United States has sunk 16 mine-laying ships near the Strait of Hormuz following threats from President Donald Trump regarding potential Iranian mining activity in the critical waterway. The move escalates tensions in a region already on edge amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, and raises concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies.
Trump warned on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, that any attempt by Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz would be met with “military consequences at a level never seen before.” He demanded the immediate removal of any mines Iran may have deployed, stating, “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.”
The President announced on Truth Social that U.S. Forces had already destroyed 10 inactive mine-laying boats and/or ships, with more actions to follow. U.S. Central Command later confirmed on X, formerly known as Twitter, that a total of 16 such vessels had been destroyed. The sinking of the ships came after reports from CNN and CBS News indicated Iran had begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil flows.
According to U.S. Intelligence reporting cited by CNN, Iranian forces were potentially capable of laying hundreds of mines. Trump also threatened to “easily destroy” targets within Iran, stating, “Death, fire, and fury will reign upon them.” Trump’s statements followed an earlier vow on Monday night that the U.S. Would respond “twenty times harder” to any Iranian attempt to disrupt oil flow through the strait.
The U.S. Is reportedly utilizing technology and missile capabilities previously used against drug traffickers to eliminate any vessels attempting to mine the Strait of Hormuz. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the U.S. “will not allow terrorists to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage.” This escalation comes as gas prices rise domestically amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. The development underscores growing regional tensions and the potential for wider conflict.
