Washington, March 11, 2026:
The United States has claimed that its forces destroyed 16 Iranian boats engaged in laying naval mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a development that has contributed to a sharp rise in global oil prices.
According to intelligence sources cited by CNN, Iran has begun deploying dozens of naval mines in the waterway and possesses the capability to place hundreds more.
Vital Oil Route at Risk
Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most important maritime chokepoints for global energy trade.
Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that if attacks by the United States and Israel continue, it would not allow “a single drop of oil” to pass through the region.
Market Turbulence and Confusion
The disruption of oil transport through the strait has already triggered instability in global markets. Confusion briefly emerged after Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy Secretary, claimed in a social media post that the United States Navy had successfully escorted an oil tanker through the strait.
Oil prices temporarily fell following the claim. However, the Pentagon and the Trump Administration later denied that such an operation had taken place. Iranian authorities also confirmed that no such incident occurred, and Wright’s post was subsequently deleted.
Possible Security Measures
Meanwhile, senior U.S. military official Dan Caine said various options are being considered to ensure safe navigation in the strait.
At the same time, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Iran would face tougher military action if it attempts to obstruct oil shipments through the critical waterway.
