U.S. Wipes Out Iranian Naval Vessels Amid Threat To Block Strait Of Hormuz

WASHINGTON / TEHRAN — The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran reached a violent new peak on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the destruction of 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, a move described as a preemptive strike to keep the world’s most critical energy artery open.

The strikes come as Operation Epic Fury enters its 12th day, with both sides hardening their positions and the humanitarian toll mounting across the Middle East.

1. Battle for the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20% of global oil consumption, has become the war’s primary economic battleground.

• The U.S. Strike: After reports that Tehran was preparing to mine the waterway, U.S. forces eliminated 16 high-speed minelayers. President Donald Trump initially reported 10 “inactive” boats were destroyed before CENTCOM updated the figure and released footage of the vessels exploding in the Persian Gulf.
• The “Fire and Fury” Threat: Trump warned that if Iran attempts to block the strait, the U.S. will respond at “a level never seen before.” He added, “Death, fire, and fury will reign upon them… it will be virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back as a nation.”
• Tehran’s Defiance: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) mocked the threats, stating they will not allow “even a single liter” of oil to be exported from the region to “hostile” nations.

2. “Heaviest Strikes” of the War

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared Tuesday the most intense day of the campaign, deploying a record number of bombers and intelligence-guided strikes.

• Tehran Pummeled: Residents in the Iranian capital described “hellish” conditions, with overnight bombardments shaking neighborhoods and hitting residential infrastructure. Tens of thousands have reportedly fled to the countryside.
• Lebanon Toll: Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon killed at least seven people on Wednesday, including a Red Cross member and a paramedic.

3. U.S. Casualty Count Revealed

For the first time, the Pentagon released a comprehensive tally of American casualties in the 12-day conflict:

• Wounded: Approximately 140 U.S. service members have been injured. While 108 have already returned to duty, eight remain severely injured.
• Fatalities: A total of seven U.S. troops have been killed in action since the war began on February 28, primarily due to drone and rocket attacks in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

War Status Report: March 11, 2026