US Forces Sink 16 Iranian Minelayers as Tehran Mines Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Central Command said American forces sank 16 Iranian minelaying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after reports Tehran was mining the critical waterway. Trump warned of "military consequences at a level never seen before."

American forces sank 16 Iranian minelaying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to U.S. Central Command, following reports that Tehran was seeking to mine the waterway critical to global energy supplies. The operation came after President Donald Trump warned of "military consequences at a level never seen before" if mines were not removed.

A report indicated Iran had begun laying mines in the strait, albeit not extensively, with only a "few dozen" placed in recent days. Sources told CNN that Iran retains more than 80% of its small boats and minelayers and could feasibly lay hundreds of mines in the waterway.

Trump issued a Truth Social post stating: "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 later claimed 10 inactive minelaying ships were sunk, with "more to come."

The Strait of Hormuz saw roughly 13 million barrels of crude per day in 2025 about 31% of all seaborne crude flows, according to energy consulting firm Kpler. Oil prices have spiked sharply since the conflict started, nearing $120 a barrel Monday before settling at $87.90 for Brent.

Oil supertanker costs in the Middle East have climbed to record levels, with major marine war risk providers scrapping cover for vessels operating in the Persian Gulf. While Trump offered political risk insurance and Navy escorts, the U.S. Navy is refusing "near-daily" escort requests, citing high attack risks.

The U.S. decommissioned four Avenger-class minesweepers stationed in Bahrain in late 2025. Their replacements, Independence-class littoral combat ships, have "struggled to meet the requirements of operational mine countermeasures missions, “according to Naval News.