Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. military has “completely destroyed” 10 inactive Iranian mine-laying vessels following intelligence concerns about potential threats in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
Trump, speaking via social media, said additional targets may follow, indicating that the United States is prepared to continue striking vessels attempting to disrupt the strategic waterway. While the president emphasized that there are currently no confirmed reports of mines being deployed, he warned Tehran that any such actions would be met with “aerial bombardment” and the use of advanced missile technology.
“Additionally, we are using the same technology and missile capabilities deployed against drug traffickers to permanently eliminate any boat or ship attempting to mine the Hormuz Strait,” Trump wrote. “They will be dealt with quickly and violently. BEWARE!”
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of global crude oil exports and remains a focal point of U.S.-Iran tensions since the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Analysts warn that any closure or disruption could trigger the largest supply disruption in modern history. Hakan Kaya, senior portfolio manager at Neuberger Berman, described the situation as “binary”: either the strait reopens, easing risk premiums on oil, or it remains blocked, potentially destabilizing global markets.
Oil prices have already experienced dramatic swings, fluctuating between $80 and over $90 per barrel in the past 24 hours, as traders respond to the threat of supply disruption. Market uncertainty has triggered sharp volatility in global equities, with hour-to-hour swings reflecting concerns about energy availability.
Economic analysts caution that prolonged disruptions could have wide-reaching effects: higher oil prices would increase household costs, push wholesale prices upward, and strain infrastructure such as data centers. The combination of supply shocks and inflationary pressures raises the specter of stagflation in the global economy if tensions persist.
The U.S. military’s actions highlight the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the readiness of Washington to protect the waterway against any Iranian attempt to impede oil shipments. The ongoing situation continues to have far-reaching implications for regional security, global energy markets, and economic stability worldwide.
