The United States has intensified its military actions in the Gulf after US strikes Iranian mine-laying boats near the Strait of Hormuz. American military officials said the operation targeted vessels believed to be involved in placing mines in the strategic waterway.
According to the US Central Command, forces struck Iranian mine-laying boats and destroyed 16 vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Earlier, President Donald Trump said the US had already destroyed 10 inactive mine-laying vessels in the same area.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil routes. Nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments normally pass through the narrow channel along Iran’s southern coast. Because of the growing conflict, shipping through the strait has already slowed significantly.
President Trump issued a warning to Tehran, saying that if Iran had placed mines in the waterway, they must be removed immediately. He added that failure to do so could trigger military consequences. Trump also said US forces would use advanced surveillance and interception technology to stop any vessel attempting to lay mines in the strait.
The latest operation came as US strikes Iranian mine-laying boats reportedly targeted both active vessels and locations where naval mines were stored. The Pentagon said the actions aimed to prevent any disruption to international shipping routes.
Meanwhile, US military officials are reviewing several options to protect commercial shipping in the region. General Dan Caine told reporters that the Pentagon is considering plans that could include escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if required.
Despite these discussions, the US Navy has not yet started escort operations for commercial ships. Shipping companies have reportedly requested military protection almost daily as security concerns continue to rise.
Confusion also emerged after the US energy secretary posted on social media claiming that the navy had escorted an oil tanker through the strait. The message was later deleted after officials confirmed that no such escort mission had taken place.
Iran has strongly rejected the claims. A spokesperson for the Revolutionary Guards said reports about escorted oil tankers were false. He warned that any movement by US naval forces or their allies in the region would face a strong response from Iranian missiles and drones.
The situation remains tense as US strikes Iranian mine-laying boats increase fears of a wider conflict in the Gulf. With global energy routes at risk, governments and shipping companies continue to watch developments in the Strait of Hormuz closely.