The U.S. Air Force General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the United States has destroyed over 50 Iranian naval ships in the opening 10 days of the war.
The top general highlighted U.S. efforts to neutralize Iranian mine-laying vessels, drones, missiles, and industrial targets as part of a broader military campaign.
General Caine told reporters that U.S. forces have focused on Iranian mine-laying vessels, as well as their storage facilities, aiming to prevent further disruption in strategic waterways.
He said, “We are focused on destroying Iranian missiles, drones, naval forces, and industrial bases,” emphasizing that the campaign also targets drone factories along with launch platforms.
Despite Iranian retaliation, Caine added that Iran has not proven a more formidable opponent than anticipated.
Strait of Hormuz disruption
The ongoing conflict has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas transport.
Tankers have been unable to sail for more than a week, forcing oil producers to halt pumping as storage capacities fill.
The U.S. continues to hunt and strike mine-laying vessels and storage facilities in the region to reopen the crucial waterway.
Donald Trump, U.S. President, warned that the U.S. may escalate military action if Iran blocks oil shipments from the Middle East.
He predicted a quick resolution to the conflict, while emphasizing that U.S. forces have already achieved “significant progress” in limiting Iran’s missile capabilities.
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