The US on Wednesday said that its forces eliminated multiple Iranian naval vessels, including 16 minelayers, near the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) shared a video of the operation. The video shows grayscale infrared or thermal imaging footage of a collection of several precise strikes on small Navy vessels.

US Defense Secretary reacts

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operations were carried out under direct orders from the President, adding that Washington will not allow terrorists to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage.

In a post on X, Hegseth said, “At the direction of President Trump, @CENTCOM has been eliminating inactive mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz—wiping them out with ruthless precision. We will not allow terrorists to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage. To the weakened Iranian regime: you have officially been put on notice!”

He also issued a warning to Tehran saying, “To the weakened Iranian regime: you have officially been put on notice!”

US President warning before attack

This development came shortly after US President Donald Trump warned Iran of severe military consequences if it puts mines in the Hormuz Strait.

“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!. 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 wrote on Truth Social.

Trump also said that the United States is using missiles to permanently eliminate any boat or ship attempting to mine the Hormuz Strait.

“Additionally, we are using the same Technology and Missile capabilities deployed against Drug Traffickers to permanently eliminate any boat or ship attempting to mine the Hormuz Strait,” he said.

CENTCOM on Iran war

CENTCOM said the military operations were intended to limit Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and project power at sea.

“US forces are degrading the Iranian regime’s ability to project power at sea and harass international shipping,” the command said.

“For years, Iranian forces have threatened freedom of navigation in waters essential to American, regional, and global security and prosperity.” 

Iran Israel US War

The situation follows joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aged 86. The incident has led to heightened regional tensions and concerns over oil supplies.