International Desk |Hormuz Attacked
The Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most vital energy chokepoint, witnessed a surge in maritime violence on Wednesday (March 11) as three cargo ships were targeted in separate attacks within hours. While no group has claimed responsibility, the incidents have intensified global concerns over energy security and military escalation.
The Attacks: A Morning of Volatility According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and reports from CNN, the attacks occurred in quick succession:
The Third Attack: A vessel was targeted 50 nautical miles northwest of the Dubai coast. The crew is reported safe, and the ship sustained minimal damage.
The Second Attack: Hours earlier, a ship caught fire after being hit 11 nautical miles north of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula. The crew sent an emergency distress signal and was successfully rescued.
The First Attack: At dawn, a ship was damaged by an “unidentified object” near the UAE coast.
These incidents bring the total number of vessels attacked near the Strait to 13 since the current conflict began.
The Mine Threat and Trump’s Warning The situation has been further complicated by US intelligence reports suggesting that Iran is planting naval mines in the Strait. While the reports indicate that only “dozens” of mines have been laid so far, the strategic implications are massive.
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning via Truth Social on Tuesday, stating that if mines have been placed, they must be removed immediately.
“If mines are placed and not removed, Iran will face consequences unlike any seen before,” Trump posted, though he added that removing them would be the “correct move” for Tehran.
Following the President’s post, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on X (formerly Twitter) that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has begun “precision strikes” to destroy Iranian mine-laying vessels. “We will not allow the Strait of Hormuz to be held hostage,” Hegseth declared.
Global Energy Markets in Turmoil The Strait of Hormuz, only 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Since the start of U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, Tehran has effectively seized control of the waterway.
Currently, transit is prohibited for most nations—specifically the U.S. and Israel—while ships from China and Russia are reportedly allowed passage. This blockade has sent shockwaves through global oil markets, leading to unprecedented price volatility.
