US Destroys 16 Iranian Mine-Laying Ships as Iran Begins Placing Mines in Strait of Hormuz

Tensions in the Middle East are rising after the United States said it destroyed several Iranian vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, while intelligence sources reported that **Iran has started placing sea mines in the important shipping route.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important oil routes in the world. Nearly 20% of global oil supply passes through this narrow waterway every day. Any disruption in this area can affect oil supply and prices across the world.

Iran Reportedly Starts Placing Mines

According to people familiar with U.S. intelligence reports, Iran has started laying sea mines in Strait of Hormuz. So far, the mining activity is limited.

Sources said a few dozen mines may have been placed in the water in recent days. However, Iran still has most of its mine-laying boats available.

One source said Iran still has about 80% to 90% of its small boats and minelayers, meaning it could place many more mines if the situation gets worse.

The strait is largely controlled by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) along with the country’s navy. Experts say Iran could also use explosive boats and coastal missiles to make the area dangerous for ships.

US Military Targets Iranian Vessels

In response to the threat, the United States Central Command said American forces attacked Iranian vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

The command said U.S. forces destroyed several Iranian ships, including 16 vessels believed to be used for laying sea mines.

Earlier, Donald Trump wrote on the social platform Truth Social that the U.S. military had destroyed 10 inactive mine-laying boats or ships, adding that more actions could follow.

Later, the U.S. military confirmed that more vessels were targeted during the operation.

During a press briefing, Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces are continuing to search for and strike mine-laying vessels and storage sites.

Trump Warns Iran

President Trump said the United States does not yet have full confirmation that mines have been placed in the strait. However, he warned Iran to remove any mines immediately if they are there.

He said if Iran has placed mines and does not remove them, the country will face serious consequences.

At the same time, Trump said removing the mines would be “a giant step in the right direction.”

Strait Described as Very Dangerous

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has become very risky. Iran previously warned that ships passing through the strait could be attacked.

Some officials have described the area as a “death valley” because ships could face mines, missile attacks or explosive boats.

U.S. officials also said American naval forces have not yet escorted commercial ships through the strait, although the option is being considered.

Oil Supply Faces Risk

The tension in the region is already affecting global oil supply. Reports say about 15 million barrels of crude oil per day and 4.5 million barrels of refined fuels are now unable to move freely from the Gulf.

Countries such as **Iraq and Kuwait depend heavily on the Strait of Hormuz to export oil.

The Group of Seven (G7) group of major economies has said it may release extra oil supplies to help reduce shortages if the crisis continues.

Oil Prices Show Big Changes

The uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz has already caused big changes in oil prices.

Oil prices rose to nearly $120 per barrel earlier in the week before dropping below $90. On Tuesday, prices moved between above $90 and below $80 as traders reacted to the situation.

Experts say even a small number of sea mines can create big problems because clearing them from busy shipping routes can take a long time.

For now, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense as both sides continue military actions in one of the world’s most important energy routes.