Trump warns Iran not to mine the Strait of Hormuz; U.S. destroys 16 vessels, causing a sharp rise in global oil prices and shipping risks

March 11 News: The U.S. military announced that recently, U.S. forces conducted strikes near the Strait of Hormuz against Iranian naval targets, destroying multiple vessels, including 16 small boats believed to be used for laying mines. The U.S. Central Command posted related videos on social media showing multiple munitions hitting ships docked at the port or at sea. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passageway for about one-fifth of the world’s oil transportation, so rapid developments in the situation have drawn significant attention from energy markets and the international shipping industry.

The U.S. states that the operation took place on March 10 and is closely related to recent escalations in tensions. Previously, concerns arose that Iran might lay mines in the strait in response to the recent U.S.-Israel joint airstrikes starting February 28. Over the past week, about 10 commercial ships have been attacked near the area, leading to a significant reduction in shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz.

Energy markets have experienced noticeable volatility. Crude oil futures briefly approached $120 per barrel on Sunday but later fell below $100. Market analysts believe that U.S. President Trump has recently sent signals of de-escalation, suggesting that the conflict may cool down, and Washington is also exploring ways to ease supply tensions, including the possible relaxation of some oil sanctions.

Meanwhile, U.S. media quoted two anonymous officials as saying that Tehran has sporadically deployed dozens of mines in the Strait of Hormuz, but this scale still represents only a part of Iran’s potential mine-laying capability. In response, Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. has “not yet received a definitive report of Iran laying mines,” but also warned that if Iran takes such actions and does not immediately clear the mines, it will face “unprecedented military consequences.”

On the military front, the U.S. currently relies mainly on the Independence-class littoral combat ships to perform mine countermeasure missions. These ships are equipped with underwater drones and towed sensors among other new mine-clearing devices, but their reliability in complex sea conditions remains controversial. The previously used “Vengeance”-class ships for mine clearance have been gradually retired.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East continue. Israel reports ongoing military strikes against Iran and Lebanon, while some Gulf countries have also reported intercepting drones and missiles coming from Iran. Analysts point out that further disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz could pose new shocks to the global energy supply chain and international trade shipping. (Business Insider)