The United States military has reportedly destroyed 16
Iranian minelaying vessels near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a
critical maritime passage used for the export of oil.
According to the United States Central Command, the
vessels were eliminated on March 10 during an operation carried out by US
forces. The command announced the strikes on X and released video footage
showing some of the targeted boats being destroyed.
The development comes after the White House warned
that Iran could face severe military consequences if it attempted to place
naval mines in the vital waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as the only sea route
connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, making it one of the world’s
most important oil transit chokepoints.
Reports indicated that the minelaying vessels were
among several Iranian naval assets struck by US forces on Tuesday. The military
later released unclassified footage and confirmed the number of vessels
destroyed following concerns that Iran might attempt to disrupt shipping in the
area.
Donald Trump had earlier warned that the United States
would respond forcefully to any attempt to mine the waterway. In a post on
social media, he said the US military had “completely destroyed” the inactive
Iranian mine-laying vessels after intelligence reports suggested potential
Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also cautioned that stronger military action
could follow if mines were deployed in the strategic passage.
“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.
Meanwhile, concerns over the global energy market
continue to rise. Emmanuel Macron announced that leaders of the G7 will hold a
virtual meeting on Wednesday to discuss the economic implications of the
escalating conflict in the Middle East.
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