Donald Trump says US ‘completely destroyed’ 10 mine-laying vessels in Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump says US ‘completely destroyed’ 10 mine-laying vessels in Strait of Hormuz
To view this video, enable JavaScript and upgrade to a browser supporting HTML5 video.
The U.S. has reportedly neutralized ten Iranian vessels deployed to plant mines in a vital maritime route.
A critical chokepoint
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow 90-mile passage near Iran’s southern coast, serves as a lifeline for global energy trade. Approximately 80 oil and gas tankers traverse it daily, transporting roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil.
Iran has consistently asserted dominance over the waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, maintaining strategic control over this strategic corridor.
Estimates suggest Iran possesses around 5,000 mines, which can be launched from small boats, submarines, or disguised civilian ships. A small number of these devices could disrupt shipping for weeks, as minesweepers operate with caution.
“I am pleased to report that within the last few hours, we have hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine-laying boats and/or ships, with more to follow!”
Trump previously warned: “If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY! If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before. If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!”
Strategic maneuvering
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps extended an offer: any Arab or European nation expelling U.S. and Israeli ambassadors would receive unrestricted access through the strait.
Marine traffic has slowed since the U.S. and Israel launched a deadly strike on Tehran, prompting Iran to target approaching ships. Only a few tankers have navigated the strait, often by disabling their tracking systems.
American intelligence detected Iranian vessels capable of carrying three naval mines each, according to CBS News. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed last week that the Iranian navy fully controls the strait.
Experts note that while Iran could deploy mines covertly via stealthy boats or submarines, larger military ships are vulnerable to U.S. strikes. This strategy avoids direct blockage, forcing insurers to raise rates and withhold coverage for ships.
As a result, about 3,200 vessels—representing 4% of global ship tonnage—are stalled in the Gulf, per Clarksons Research. Analysts caution that prolonged conflict may destabilize oil and gas prices worldwide, contributing to inflation.
Recent data shows oil prices have surged to £73 per barrel, an 81% rise since the conflict began. Natural gas prices in Europe and Asia have also spiked, as these regions depend heavily on imported liquefied fuel.
Trump warned Iran: “If the country stops the flow of oil through the Hormuz, they will be ‘hit by the United States of America 20 TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far.’” The White House claims current price hikes are temporary, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating: “This operation will result in lower gas prices in the long term.”
Geopolitical implications
The Trump administration is reportedly urging Israel to limit its attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, fearing disruptions to future U.S. oil agreements.