- US destroys 16 Iranian naval vessels
- White House demands unconditional surrender
- Iran claims ‘most intense’ missile and drone operation
At least three commercial ships were struck in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz yesterday (11), triggering a sharp military escalation between the US and Iran.
Among them were Thailand-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, struck about 11 nautical miles north of Oman, which then caught fire, and most of the crew evacuated before the blaze was extinguished.
Japan-flagged container ship One Majesty was hit by a projectile about 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras al-Khaimah (UAE) and it sustained minor damage but was able to make way to a safer anchorage.
Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth took hull damage around 50 miles northwest of Dubai, and its crew remained safe.
The fresh attacks in one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes prompted immediate retaliation from Washington.
The US Central Command announced they attacked and destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz amid reports that Iran has begun laying explosive devices in the strategically vital waterway.
Citing intelligence sources, CNN on Tuesday reported that Iran has laid a few dozen mines in the strait in recent days and has the capability to sow hundreds more.
US officials described the action as a defensive measure aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation and preventing the closure of the Strait.
Speaking at a press briefing, US War Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes were necessary to neutralise imminent maritime threats. He characterised the latest phase of operations as among the most intense since hostilities escalated.
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump had demanded what officials termed Iran’s unconditional surrender, warning that further escalation would invite stronger military consequences.
Iran responded with defiance. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that it had launched its most intense missile and drone operation to date, targeting US and allied assets in the region. Gulf states reported heightened air defence activity, though several incoming projectiles were intercepted.
Tehran accused Washington of aggression and warned that continued US military presence near Iranian waters would provoke further retaliation.