U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the military to take lethal action against any vessels suspected of laying mines in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions despite an ongoing ceasefire with Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had directed the United States Navy to act without hesitation. “I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat… that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation,” he wrote.
The president also indicated that mine-clearing operations were underway and being intensified. “Additionally, our mine ‘sweepers’ are clearing the Strait right now. I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level!” he added.
Trump’s directive comes amid uncertainty surrounding access to the vital shipping lane, which carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies. Although the president recently extended a ceasefire with Iran indefinitely, a U.S.-led blockade in the area remains in place, contributing to reduced tanker traffic and elevated oil prices.
According to a report by The Washington Post, the Pentagon has informed Congress that clearing mines from the waterway could take up to six months.
Meanwhile, United States Central Command said U.S. forces had already intercepted maritime movement in the region, directing 31 vessels to “turn around or return to port as part of the U.S. blockade against Iran.”
In a follow-up post on Thursday, Trump suggested internal divisions within Iran’s leadership were deepening. “They just don’t know! The infighting is between the ‘Hardliners’… and the ‘Moderates’… is CRAZY!” he wrote.
He further claimed U.S. forces now exercise full control over the strategic passage. “We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is ‘Sealed up Tight,’ until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!!”
