Washington DC [US], March 11 (ANI): Atleast 140 United States military personnel have been wounded during the first ten days of the West Asia conflict, according to the Pentagon.The casualties come as military operations expand across the region and both sides signal continued readiness for further escalation, CBS News reported.According to the Pentagon, the injuries were recorded amid a series of strikes and counter-attacks that have unfolded since hostilities began. While officials did not specify the exact locations of all incidents, they said the wounded personnel were involved in operational deployments connected to the broader campaign against Iran.At the same time, US officials have raised fresh concerns about developments in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime passage that serves as one of the world’s most important routes for global oil shipments. Intelligence assessments indicated that Iran may have been preparing to deploy naval mines in the waterway.US officials told CBS News that Iran may be getting ready to deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway for global oil shipments. In response to the threat, the Pentagon later said American forces destroyed 16 mine-laying boats operating near the strait, a move aimed at preventing disruption to global energy supplies and maintaining freedom of navigation in the region.Meanwhile, Iranian forces have continued attacks targeting petroleum-producing Gulf Arab countries.Earlier, Donald Trump suggested that the war might end shortly, indicating that the conflict, now in its eleventh day, could conclude quickly. He described the situation by saying it is likely to end “very soon” and is already “very complete, pretty much.”Despite such remarks, the intensity of military operations appears to be increasing. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled that the coming phase of the campaign could mark a significant escalation in strikes.US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday would be the most intense day of strikes on Iran to date, but he said the administration’s war objectives were quickly being met, claiming Iran’s missile launch capacity had been degraded by 90% during the war.The statement suggests that Washington believes its military campaign has significantly weakened Iran’s offensive capabilities, particularly in terms of missile deployment.The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point for global markets, as roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the corridor. Any disruption in the area could have immediate consequences for energy prices and international trade.As the war enters its second week, the situation remains volatile, with military actions, regional security concerns and global economic implications continuing to intersect. (ANI)(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)