U.S. Attacks Iranian Mine-Laying Vessels

The United States military announced on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, that it destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. This action occurred on the 12th day of an ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, following a warning from President Trump regarding the removal of any mines in the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of global oil consumption passes, and its effective closure due to the conflict has impacted international markets.

Concurrently, attacks and counterattacks continued across the Middle East. On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, a commercial cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a fire and crew evacuation.

Separately, two drones fell near Dubai International Airport, injuring four individuals, while Saudi Arabia's defense ministry reported intercepting six ballistic missiles targeting Prince Sultan Air Base and destroying drones. Kuwait's National Guard also downed eight drones.

Casualties from the conflict have mounted, with reports indicating over 1,200 fatalities in Iran, 570 in Lebanon, and 12 in Israel. The Pentagon confirmed the deaths of seven U.S. soldiers and approximately 140 injuries from Iranian missile and drone strikes, with eight classified as severe. Israel's military also conducted strikes against Hezbollah sites in Beirut's southern suburbs and claimed to have thwarted a drone launch squad in Iran.