Top Stories: March 11, 2026

These are the major developments on Day 12 of Operation Epic Fury as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate across the Middle East.

Multiple vessels were struck near the Strait of Hormuz, with reports indicating Iran has begun placing naval mines in the critical waterway. The strait is one of the world’s most important energy routes, carrying roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned in a post late Monday that if the mines are not removed, Iran could face military consequences “at a level never seen before.”

U.S. officials say American forces have already destroyed 16 Iranian mining vessels as part of the ongoing operation. The United States Navy has also said it will not provide military escorts for commercial ships through the strait until Iranian mine-laying capabilities are neutralized.

Commercial ship traffic through the channel has now nearly halted, raising concerns about global energy markets and regional stability.

Meanwhile in Tehran, reports indicate Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei may have been injured during strikes amid the ongoing war with Israel and the United States.

U.S. intelligence officials also say Russia is helping Iran improve its drone warfare capabilities as Iranian drones continue to target sites across the region.