Trump warns Iran of military action ‘at a level never seen before’ if it mines Strait of Hormuz

Donald Trump said US forces destroyed 10 inactive mine-laying boats after intelligence indicated Iran might deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz
PUBLISHED MAR 11, 2026
Donald Trump warned Iran against placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz after reports suggested Tehran had begun preparing to deploy mines in the key shipping lane (AP Photo)
Donald Trump warned Iran against placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz after reports suggested Tehran had begun preparing to deploy mines in the key shipping lane (AP Photo)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran against placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz while announcing that the United States had already destroyed several boats believed to be capable of laying mines.

The warning came after reports suggested Iran might be preparing to deploy mines in the key shipping lane. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil travels.



Trump warns Iran over mines in the Strait of Hormuz

Trump delivered a stern warning to the Iranian regime on Tuesday, March 10, regarding any attempt to place mines in the Strait. The president posted the message on Truth Social after reports emerged that there were indicators Iran had begun taking steps to deploy mines in the shipping lane.

Trump stated, “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!” He also warned that if mines had been placed and were not removed quickly, “the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before.”

The president further said that removing any mines would be “a giant step in the right direction.” 

TEESSIDE, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: The ‘Tavistock Square’ crude oil tanker, assisted by tugs, prepares to leave the ConocoPhillips oil terminal after loading on March 09, 2026 in Teesside, England. Global oil prices have risen to their highest levels since 2022 following an escalation of the US-Israel war with Iran. Brent crude, the international benchmark, surged past the $100 psychological threshold. Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) prices have also seen a 50% increase since the US and Israel attacked Iran. The war has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz which sees over a fifth of the global oil and LNG trade pass through narrow gulf. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
The ‘Tavistock Square’ crude oil tanker, assisted by tugs, prepares to leave the ConocoPhillips oil terminal after loading on March 09, 2026 in Teesside, England (Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

He added that the US was using the same technology and missile capabilities previously deployed against traffickers to eliminate any vessel attempting to mine the Strait of Hormuz. Trump warned that such boats or ships “will be dealt with quickly and violently,” ending the statement with “BEWARE!”

⁠Previously, Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to the Guards commander-in-chief, said in remarks carried by state media "The strait (of Hormuz) is closed. If anyone tries to ​pass, the heroes of the Revolutionary Guards and the regular navy will set ​those ships ablaze."

This image from video provided by U.S. Central Command shows a missile being launched from a U.S. Navy ship in support of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (U.S. Central Command via AP)
This image from video provided by US Central Command shows a missile being launched from a US Navy ship in support of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 (US Central Command via AP)

US destroys mine-laying boats as intelligence monitors Iran

Shortly after his warning, Trump posted another message announcing that US forces had destroyed “10 inactive mine laying boats” within a matter of hours. He wrote, “I am pleased to report that within the last few hours, we have hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine laying boats and/or ships, with more to follow!”

The developments came after reporting from CBS News indicated that US intelligence had begun observing signs that Iran might be preparing to deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.

According to CBS News Senior White House Correspondent Jennifer Jacobs, "Iran was using smaller crafts capable of carrying two to three mines each."

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Estimates of Iran’s mine stockpile have varied over the years, with figures ranging from roughly 2,000 to 6,000 naval mines. These mines include Iranian-made versions as well as Chinese and Russian variants, according to reporting cited by CBS News National Security Coordinating Producer Jim LaPorta.

During a White House press briefing the same day, press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that if the Iranian regime targeted the Strait of Hormuz, it would face military force “20 times” stronger than what it had already experienced.

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