Washington/Tehran: The United States military has said it destroyed several Iranian vessels suspected of preparing to deploy sea mines, as tensions escalate over threats to disrupt global oil shipments through the Gulf.
According to American officials, forces from the United States Department of Defense carried out strikes on 16 boats believed to be used for laying naval mines. The vessels were linked to operations by Iran as the conflict in the region entered its eleventh day.
The development came amid fears that Tehran could attempt to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a narrow passage through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil shipments pass each day.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces had targeted the vessels but said there was no evidence that Iran had successfully planted explosives in the channel so far. Washington also released unclassified footage showing some of the boats destroyed during the operation.
Trump had earlier warned that any attempt by Iran to mine the strait would trigger a massive military response. In a message posted on social media, he said the United States would retaliate at a level “never seen before” if such activity continued.
Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth signalled that American forces were prepared for further action, stating that the next round of strikes could be among the most intense since the conflict began. The Pentagon also provided details about injuries sustained by U.S. troops during recent operations.
The ongoing confrontation has sparked wider instability across the Middle East. Iranian officials have ruled out negotiations for now and continued launching attacks against targets in Israel and several Gulf nations.
Inside Tehran, residents reported experiencing some of the heaviest bombardment since the fighting started. Witnesses said residential areas had been hit during the strikes, prompting many civilians to leave the capital for safer locations in rural parts of the country.
With threats to vital shipping routes and energy infrastructure growing, analysts warn that the conflict could have serious consequences for global oil supplies and regional security if the situation escalates further.
