US Destroys Iranian Mine Boats Near Hormuz Strait

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – The conflict between the United States and Iran has intensified after Iranian forces were reportedly preparing to mine the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil shipments. The move came after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that not even “a litre of oil” would be allowed to pass through the vital waterway if tensions continued to rise.

In response, the United States launched strikes targeting Iranian vessels suspected of laying sea mines near the strait. Donald Trump said US forces had destroyed several mine-laying boats and warned Tehran that any attempt to block the strait would trigger severe military retaliation.

According to United States Central Command, the number of destroyed Iranian vessels increased to 16 during operations close to the strait. The military command released video footage showing boats being hit by missiles and exploding in the water.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the most important shipping routes in the world, with nearly 20 percent of global oil passing through it daily. Rising tensions around the waterway have caused significant volatility in international oil markets.

Meanwhile, the regional conflict expanded further as Iran launched new missile and drone attacks early Wednesday. Iranian strikes targeted Israeli cities, while drones were also intercepted near oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Authorities reported that several drones aimed at the Shaybah oil field were successfully shot down.

The escalating war has also spread into neighboring regions. In Baghdad, protests erupted near the US embassy, while militia groups in Iraq claimed casualties after suspected American airstrikes. At the same time, Israel continued air attacks on targets in Beirut and Tehran.

The economic consequences of the conflict are spreading globally. Fuel prices have surged in several countries, with governments introducing rationing and emergency measures to control costs. Global leaders from the Group of Seven are scheduled to hold urgent talks to discuss the war’s economic impact and the growing energy crisis.

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Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency is considering releasing a large volume of strategic oil reserves to stabilize markets as crude prices remain highly volatile.

The situation has also raised security concerns in the Gulf after a container ship was struck by a projectile near Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, although all crew members were reported safe.

Since the beginning of the conflict, the Pentagon said seven US military personnel have been killed and about 140 injured. Iran has also warned domestic protesters that those supporting foreign enemies will be treated as hostile forces.