US President Donald Trump said American forces have destroyed multiple “inactive” minelayer vessels, after his earlier warning to Iran over possible deployment of mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “I am pleased to report that within the last few hours, we have hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine laying boats and/or ships, with more to follow!”
The claim comes amid growing concerns that Iran could attempt to mine the narrow waterway, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Roughly 20 per cent of global oil consumption moves through the strait each day.
Earlier, Trump had warned Tehran that any mines placed in the shipping lane must be removed “IMMEDIATELY” or Iran would face severe military consequences.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States currently has no reports confirming that Iran has deployed mines in the narrow waterway off its coast, but issued a direct warning.
“If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY!” Trump wrote.
He added that failing to remove such mines could trigger a forceful response.
“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,” Trump said.
At the same time, Trump suggested that removing any such devices would help ease tensions. “If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction,” the US President wrote.
US intelligence agencies have reportedly been monitoring signs that Iran could be preparing to deploy mines in the waterway, according to media reports.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which shares control of the strait with Iran’s navy, has previously warned that ships passing through the channel could be targeted.
The waterway has become increasingly dangerous since the war began, with officials describing the strait as a high-risk transit zone for commercial vessels.
(With inputs from agencies)
