Donald Trump says US ‘completely destroyed’ 10 mine-laying vessels in Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump asserts US ‘completely destroyed’ 10 Iranian mine-laying vessels in Strait of Hormuz
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The United States has neutralized ten Iranian mine-laying crafts operating in the vital Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global trade.
The strait, a narrow 90-mile waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, sees approximately 80 oil and gas tankers traversing it daily. This route transports roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil, making it a strategic chokepoint.
Iran has consistently maintained control over the waterway, which serves as a key link between the Gulf and international shipping lanes. The country reportedly possesses around 5,000 mines, deployable from small boats, submarines, or disguised civilian vessels.
Experts note that even a modest number of mines can disrupt maritime traffic for weeks, as minesweepers must proceed with caution. The Iranian navy’s ability to hide these threats underscores the strait’s vulnerability.
“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!”
President Donald Trump previously stated: “If Iran has deployed any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY! If for any reason mines were placed and not removed forthwith, the military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before. If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that any Arab or European nation expelling the ambassadors of Israel and the US would be granted unimpeded access to the strait. However, marine traffic has declined sharply since the US and Israel launched a deadly strike on Tehran, prompting Iran to target approaching ships.
Many tankers now navigate the strait by disabling their tracking devices to avoid detection. American intelligence has identified Iranian vessels capable of carrying up to three naval mines, according to CBS News. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recently claimed full control of the waterway, though analysts question the feasibility of such dominance.
Analysts warn that prolonged conflict could destabilize global energy markets. Prices for natural gas in Europe and Asia have surged due to reliance on imported liquefied fuel. A barrel of oil recently reached £73, an 81% increase since the conflict began.
The White House claims current price hikes are temporary, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating: “This operation will result in lower gas prices in the long term.” Meanwhile, the Trump administration is reportedly pushing Israel to limit attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, fearing disruptions to future oil agreements.
