Hormuz Strait Turns Warzone: US Strikes Iranian Mine-Laying Ships!

The strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, has turned into a flashpoint as the United States launched major strikes on Iranian mine-laying vessels suspected of preparing attacks on shipping lanes. According to the US Central Command, 16 Iranian vessels involved in laying sea mines were destroyed near the Strait. In retaliation, Iran targeted three commercial cargo ships in the Persian Gulf. One of the ships, the Thailand-flagged Mayuri Naree, was heading to India’s Kandla port when it was hit by a projectile near the Oman coast. Oman’s navy rescued 20 crew members while three remain missing. Israel also intensified airstrikes on Iranian and Lebanese targets, including residential areas in Tehran and Beirut, leading to further civilian casualties.

As the war entered its 12th day, the conflict has already claimed 1,878 lives and left over 15,700 people injured. Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting several Gulf countries, including strikes near Dubai International Airport and attempted attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Several drones and missiles were intercepted by regional defenses. The escalating hostilities rattled global financial markets, causing the BSE Sensex to drop by more than 1,300 points, though crude oil prices remained stable. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced the release of 400 million barrels of emergency oil reserves to stabilize global supply if disruptions continue in the Strait of Hormuz.