Washington, United States. The US military is carrying out strikes against Iranian mine-laying vessels as part of a wider campaign against Iran, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Tuesday.
General outlines operations
General Dan Caine told reporters that US Central Command was hunting and attacking mine-laying ships and associated storage facilities.
Reported losses of Iranian naval ships
Caine said that in the first ten days of the campaign, American forces have sunk or destroyed more than 50 Iranian naval ships, without providing details on when or where those engagements took place.
Impact on Strait of Hormuz shipping
The strikes come amid escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran that has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
Trump warnings and calls to end conflict
President Donald Trump warned of further military action if Iran continues to impede oil shipments, while urging a swift end to the conflict.
Broader targets in widening campaign
The widening campaign has seen US forces target Iranian naval assets alongside missile, drone and other military infrastructure, as both sides exchange attacks across the region.
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