CENTCOM says 16 Iranian minelayers destroyed as Trump aims to secure Strait of Hormuz

Published March 10, 2026 7:29pm ET



U.S. Central Command said Tuesday that U.S. forces destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz as President Donald Trump moves to secure the vital shipping lane amid escalating conflict. 

CENTCOM announced the strikes in a statement and accompanying video posted on social media, saying that U.S. forces “eliminated multiple Iranian naval vessels, including 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz” during operations on March 10.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.