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US Claims Destruction of Iranian Mine-Laying Vessels; Iran Cites Civilian Casualties
US-Iran Military Tensions Escalate
US Central Command announced the destruction of 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. This comes shortly after US President Donald Trump warned Iran against laying mines in the crucial waterway. The White House clarified earlier deleted posts from the US Energy Secretary about the US Navy escorting oil tankers, with White House Press Secretary Caroline Livitt confirming the US Navy has not escorted any vessels to date.
Iran Claims Casualties and Issues Internal Warnings
After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a social media message encouraging protests, Iranian Police Chief Ahmad Reza Radan warned against all anti-government demonstrations, stating that protesters would be considered 'enemies.' Additionally, Iran's Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, claimed that over 1,300 civilians have died and approximately 10,000 civilian sites have been targeted in attacks by the US and Israel. These targets include schools, hospitals, residential buildings, and infrastructure. In Tehran, consecutive bombings and explosions continued throughout the night, with the US Defense Secretary stating today would be the most intense day of attacks.
Israel's War Budget Increase
Israel, currently engaged in conflict with Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah, is scheduled to hold a cabinet meeting to increase its war budget. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have finalized a special budget of approximately $16 billion, stating it will contribute to winning the war, providing citizen services, and establishing a new regional order centered around Israel in the Middle East. The Israeli government anticipates the conflict will last several weeks.
*Source: YouTube: ABC Australia (2026-03-11)*
