The U.S. revealed it carried out attacks on Iranian vessels near the Strait of Hormuz after intelligence uncovered attempts to lay mines along a vital global energy transport route, stressing it will not allow anyone to threaten navigation in this strategic location.
The U.S. military announced it destroyed several Iranian naval vessels, including at least 16 mine-laying ships, near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy shipping lanes.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released video footage of some attacks on social media, stating these were operations targeting vessels involved in mine-laying in the area.
CNN reported that U.S. intelligence discovered Iran had begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a global energy bottleneck through which about one-fifth of the world's crude oil trade passes.
U.S. President Donald Trump posted on the Truth Social platform that if Iran is indeed placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, they must be removed immediately, emphasizing the U.S. wants to keep this crucial shipping route safe.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated on the X platform that the operation was conducted under the president's orders, with U.S. forces precisely and decisively eliminating vessels involved in mine-laying in the Strait of Hormuz.
He also stressed that the U.S. will not allow groups perceived as threats to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage, given the area's importance to global energy market stability.
Tensions in the region continue to rise, while U.S. Department of Defense reports indicate that since the conflict began, about 140 American soldiers have been injured in incidents related to fighting in the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz is a global energy strategic point, serving as the main shipping route for oil from Middle Eastern producers to key markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, making every development there closely monitored by world energy markets.
:CNN
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