00:00What just happened near the Strait of Hormuz could shake the global oil market.
00:03The United States says it destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels
00:07near one of the world's most important shipping routes.
00:11Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that 10 inactive vessels
00:15had already been completely destroyed.
00:17The warning came after reports that Iran might be placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz,
00:22a narrow waterway where about 20% of the world's oil and gas shipments normally pass.
00:27Trump posted a blunt message online.
00:30If Iran has placed mines in the Strait, they must remove them immediately or face military consequences.
00:36The Pentagon also confirmed strikes on mine-laying boats and mine storage sites along Iran's coast.
00:42Meanwhile, the U.S. military is now studying options to escort ships through the Strait if ordered.
00:47But officials say no oil tankers have been escorted so far,
00:51despite pressure from the shipping industry.
00:54Tensions are rising fast.
00:56Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned that any U.S. fleet movement will be targeted by missiles and drones.
01:01With global energy routes at risk,
01:03the Strait of Hormuz has suddenly become one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the world.
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