The United States military has destroyed Iranian minelaying vessels near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) released an official statement regarding the military engagement.
According to the command's statement, on March 10, US forces neutralized several Iranian naval vessels, including 16 Iranian minelayers, in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz. The operation follows a period of heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf region and direct warnings from the American administration regarding maritime security.
US President Donald Trump had previously issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating that if Iran attempted to deploy mines in international waters, the consequences would be "greater than ever seen before." US intelligence agencies, including reports cited by CBS News and CNN, had earlier indicated that Iranian forces were preparing for and had already begun mine-laying activities in the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean, is one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes and serves as a central transit point for global energy supplies. Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) consumption passes through this narrow passage, making its security vital for global economic stability and international energy markets.
