US Military Strikes Destroy 16 Iranian Minelaying Boats Near Strait of Hormuz

American military forces have conducted strikes against Iranian naval vessels, destroying 16 minelaying boats in the vicinity of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The action was taken amid intelligence reports indicating Iran's preparation to mine the waterway, a critical global oil transit route.

The operation was confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which released video footage of the strikes. President Donald Trump also verified the destruction of the Iranian minelayers in a post on his Truth Social platform.

The Strait of Hormuz, a primary artery for Middle Eastern oil exports, has seen virtually no civilian maritime traffic since the outbreak of open warfare between Israel, the United States, and Iran in late February. Reports indicate only one tanker has managed to navigate the strait while evading Iranian attacks since that time.

The escalation follows a statement from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on March 10, declaring that Tehran would prevent "the export of a single liter of oil" from the region as long as U.S. And Israeli attacks on the country continue. The IRGC suggested exceptions could be made for nations that expel American and Israeli diplomats.

Subsequent U.S. Intelligence assessments, cited by CBS News, indicated Iran had begun preparations to mine the strait. President Trump responded with a warning of "unprecedented consequences" should Tehran proceed with such an operation.

The current conflict began on February 28 with massive U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking officials. He has been succeeded by his 56-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with strikes against Israeli territory and U.S. Military bases across the Middle East. The hostilities have drawn in multiple regional states, with drones and missiles repeatedly hitting civilian infrastructure.