The United States military says it has destroyed 16 Iranian boats believed to be preparing to lay naval mines near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, raising tensions in an already volatile region.
According to US Central Command, American forces targeted the vessels after intelligence suggested they were being used to deploy mines in the busy shipping lane. The move was described as a defensive action aimed at protecting international maritime traffic and preventing potential disruptions to global oil supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, with roughly one-fifth of the global oil supply passing through the narrow waterway each day. Any threat to the route could have major economic consequences and trigger instability in global energy markets.
The incident comes amid rising hostilities between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump had earlier warned Iran that attempting to mine the Strait of Hormuz would lead to severe military consequences.
Iran has repeatedly threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the waterway during periods of conflict, intensifying fears of a broader regional escalation in the Middle East.