In a dramatic turn of events, a recent video captures the striking moment an Iranian mine-laying vessel is obliterated in the Strait of Hormuz following a bombing by US military forces.
The US forces reportedly took out more than a dozen Iranian ships dispatched to the crucial oil shipping route to deploy sea mines. This action came in response to the Islamic Republic’s threat to block oil exports from the region, emphasizing its stance against allowing any shipments to its adversaries.
Footage released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) depicts the intense moment an Iranian ship is targeted by a fighter jet and subsequently engulfs in flames from a projectile impact. Another video showcases a ship near a port being hit, leading to a massive fireball soaring into the sky.
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that several inactive mine-laying vessels had been destroyed, with more anticipated to be targeted. CENTCOM later confirmed the destruction of 16 minelaying vessels during the operation.
Trump had earlier issued a stern warning to Iran demanding the removal of all mines from the waters, emphasizing severe consequences otherwise. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center verified an incident where a cargo ship was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a significant fire that prompted the crew’s evacuation.
Notably, Iran has not claimed responsibility for the attack, consistent with its strategy of disrupting Middle East fuel exports by targeting ships in and around the strait, a critical global oil and natural gas transit route. Furthermore, the UKMTO reported another assault targeting a vessel near Ras al-Khaimah in the UAE.
In a separate incident, two Iranian drones launched an attack near Dubai International Airport, injuring four individuals. The Dubai Media Office confirmed the injuries, stating that flights at the airport remained operational despite the attack.