US says it destroyed Iranian minelayers near Strait of Hormuz after Trump warning
Earlier in the day, Trump said 10 minelayers had been destroyed, adding that additional action could follow.
The United States military said it destroyed 16 Iranian minelaying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday March 10, 2026, following a warning from US President Donald Trump that Tehran would face unprecedented consequences if it attempted to mine the vital shipping route.
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces carried out strikes on March 10 that destroyed multiple Iranian naval vessels, including 16 boats identified as minelayers operating near the strait.
“US forces eliminated multiple Iranian naval vessels, including 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said in a post on X, accompanied by video footage showing the strikes.
Earlier in the day, Trump said 10 minelayers had been destroyed, adding that additional action could follow.
The developments came after US media reported that American intelligence agencies had detected indications that Iran might be preparing to deploy naval mines in the narrow waterway.
Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most strategically important maritime routes for global energy supplies.
In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump warned that any attempt by Iran to mine the strait would trigger severe military consequences.
“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,” he wrote.
Trump also said the US would target any minelaying vessels using the same type of missiles previously employed by American forces against suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea.
“They will be dealt with quickly and violently,” he said.
