US destroys 16 Iranian mine-laying ships near the Strait of Hormuz; Donald Trump warns of strong action.

Tehran/Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Amid rising tensions in West Asia, the United States has claimed a major military action at sea against Iran. According to the US military, several Iranian boats were targeted and destroyed near the Strait of Hormuz. These boats could have been used to lay naval mines.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on the social media platform X that on March 10, US forces attacked several Iranian naval vessels. These vessels reportedly included 16 boats that could be used to lay sea mines. The command also shared a video of the military operation, which shows the attacks at sea.

Former US President Donald Trump warned Iran to immediately remove any sea mines it has laid in the Strait of Hormuz. He said that failure to do so could result in a severe US military response. Trump also said that removing potentially planted explosives would be a major step toward reducing tensions in the region.

According to US media reports, intelligence agencies fear Iran is preparing to deploy landmines along this crucial sea route. Some officials believe a limited number of mines may have already been placed in the water.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world's most vital sea lanes. Approximately 20 percent of all oil traded globally passes through it every day. Therefore, any military tension in the region could have a significant impact on the global energy market and international trade.

Following rising tensions in West Asia, experts have described the Strait of Hormuz as a high-risk area for commercial vessels. Iran's Navy and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have already warned that ships passing through this route could be targeted. Escalating tensions between the United States and Iran could impact global oil supplies and maritime trade in the coming days.