US Says It Destroyed 16 Iranian Minelayers Near Hormuz

The United States said it destroyed more than a dozen Iranian minelaying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensified and concerns mounted over the safety of global oil shipments.

The move came amid growing fears that the escalating conflict could disrupt one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. Around 20% of global oil shipments pass through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets.

Despite the military action, U.S. President Donald Trump said in social media posts that there were no reports indicating Iran had actually planted explosives in the strait.

His remarks suggested that while the U.S. was targeting Iran’s potential minelaying capabilities, there was no confirmed evidence that mines had already been deployed in the waterway.

Iran responded sharply to the developments, warning it would prevent oil exports from reaching its enemies.

Iranian officials said the country would not allow “even a single liter” of oil to be shipped to hostile states, raising the possibility of disruptions to energy flows from the Gulf.