The United States military has destroyed several Iranian naval vessels suspected of being used to lay mines near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the U.S. Central Command. The strikes were carried out amid growing concerns that Iran might attempt to disrupt shipping through one of the world’s most important maritime routes for oil transportation.

The US military confirmed that its forces targeted and destroyed 16 Iranian vessels believed to be capable of laying naval mines in the region. The announcement was made through an official post by the command on the social media platform X, along with a short video showing the strikes.

In the statement, the command said, “US forces eliminated multiple Iranian naval vessels, March 10, including 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz.”

The video released by the command reportedly showed munitions striking several of the vessels. Many of the boats appeared to be docked or anchored at the time of the attack.

The military action comes at a time when tensions between the United States and Iran remain high, particularly in the waters around the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow passage lies between Iran and Oman and is considered one of the most strategically important shipping routes in the world. Around one-fifth of the global oil supply passes through this waterway every day, with roughly 100 ships travelling through the corridor daily.

Because of its importance to international energy supply, any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have major global consequences. Concerns have increased in recent days after reports suggested that Iran might attempt to place naval mines in the area, which could threaten commercial shipping and oil transport.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that American forces had already destroyed some Iranian mine-laying boats. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that the US had “completely destroyed” a number of vessels suspected of being used for laying mines.

Trump wrote, “I am pleased to report that within the last few hours, we have hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine-laying boats and/or ships, with more to follow!”

The president also issued a strong warning to Iran regarding any attempt to mine the waterway. He said the United States had not received confirmation that Iran had already placed mines there, but demanded that any such mines be removed immediately if they existed.

Trump said, “If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY!”

He further warned that Iran would face serious military consequences if the mines were not removed. Although he did not provide details about the possible response, he stressed that the US would act strongly to protect the shipping route.

In another statement, Trump explained that the United States is using the same technology and missile systems that have previously been used against drug-trafficking vessels to stop any ship attempting to lay mines in the strait.

He wrote, “Additionally, we are using the same Technology and Missile capabilities deployed against Drug Traffickers to permanently eliminate any boat or ship attempting to mine the Hormuz Strait. They will be dealt with quickly and violently.”

Trump also said that if Iran removed any mines that might have been placed in the waterway, it would be seen as a positive step. He added, “If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction.”

Following the operation, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also warned Iran. He said that the Iranian leadership had been clearly warned about the consequences of interfering with shipping in the strait.

According to officials, the Pentagon had earlier said that American forces were targeting Iranian mine-laying boats as well as facilities where naval mines might be stored.

It is still not clear whether Iran had actually deployed naval mines in the waterway since the conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched large-scale strikes on Iranian targets.

However, the possibility of mines being placed in the Strait of Hormuz has already raised serious concerns around the world. The region is a crucial route for global energy trade, and any blockage could disrupt oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

The ongoing conflict and military actions around the Strait have also affected shipping in the region. Reports indicate that the fighting has already slowed or halted several shipments through the waterway along Iran’s coastline.

Oil markets have reacted strongly to the developments. Prices have fluctuated significantly over the past few days as fears grow that the Strait of Hormuz could be blocked or disrupted. These changes in oil prices have also affected financial markets and fuel costs in several countries.

Iranian officials have also issued warnings in response to the ongoing conflict. They have said that if attacks by the United States and Israel continue, Iran may prevent oil exports from leaving the Middle East.

The situation in the region remains tense, with military activity continuing and global attention focused on the security of one of the world’s most vital energy routes.