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In March 2026, US forces launched airstrikes against Iranian minelayers in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran attacked civilian vessels and hinted at a potential blockade of the strait, raising significant concerns in international oil and energy markets.

Strait of Hormuz: US-Iran Military Clashes Intensify

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on March 11, 2026, that it had neutralized 16 Iranian minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz, releasing video footage of the airstrikes. The video showed missiles striking next to Iranian vessels, exploding, and destroying small boats anchored nearby. Dan Kane, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that the United States would continue to track and target Iranian minelayers and their storage facilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump personally declared that most of Iran's minelayers had been neutralized, warning that Iran would face unprecedented military consequences if it did not promptly remove its mines. US forces also intensified military pressure by issuing airstrike warnings and evacuation orders for civilian ports around the Strait of Hormuz that could be used for Iranian military operations.

Iran Attacks Civilian Vessels, Threatens Strait Blockade

In response to the US offensive, Iran attacked civilian vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. On March 11 alone, four civilian vessels were attacked. Notably, the Thai-flagged container ship 'MAYUREE NAREE BANGKOK' suffered fire and hull damage after being hit, with its 20 crew members rescued by the Oman Navy. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially announced that they had attacked vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran warned that if oil and energy prices did not fall, the world should be prepared for $200 per barrel. It expressed a firm stance, stating it would not allow a single liter of oil contrary to Iran's interests to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest that if Iran were to deploy mines, it could paralyze the actual shipping lane, which is only 3 km wide, thereby blockading the strait through which 20% of the world's crude oil is transported. Forbes reported that the moment even a single oil tanker is destroyed by a mine, insurance coverage would cease, instantly paralyzing maritime traffic.

*Source: YouTube: MBC News (2026-03-12)*

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