The US military has destroyed 16 Iranian minelaying ships near the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil export route, following warnings from former President Donald Trump. The strikes were part of operations to prevent Iran from placing mines in the critical waterway.
US Central Command shared footage of the destroyed vessels and confirmed the operation on X, emphasizing that the action targeted inactive Iranian minelayers to secure safe passage through the strait.
Trump had warned that any attempt by Iran to deploy mines would be met with military consequences “at a level never seen before,” highlighting the US commitment to keeping the oil route open amid rising tensions.
Concerns over the conflict’s economic impact prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to announce a G7 video conference to discuss energy and financial implications of the Middle East war.
