US President Donald Trump has ordered the Navy to “shoot and kill” any Iranian vessels suspected of laying mines in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in tensions with Tehran.
The directive, announced in a social media post, comes as the United States intensifies efforts to secure the vital shipping lane, a key route for global oil supplies.
“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,” Trump said, adding that “there is to be no hesitation.”
He also revealed that US mine-clearing operations in the waterway had been significantly increased, stating that naval “sweepers” were working “at a tripled-up level” to remove threats and restore safe passage.
The move follows reports of Iranian-linked forces deploying sea mines and targeting commercial vessels in the narrow maritime corridor, which connects the Gulf to the open ocean and is considered one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
Washington has accused Iran of disrupting international shipping, while Tehran has reportedly seized vessels and asserted greater control over the waterway in recent days, deepening fears of a broader regional conflict.
Trump further claimed, without presenting evidence, that US forces now have “total control” over the strait, underscoring an increasingly aggressive posture as diplomatic efforts remain uncertain.
Analysts warn the order could heighten the risk of direct confrontation between both nations, particularly as a fragile ceasefire appears to be under strain.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of the world’s oil shipments, and any prolonged disruption could have far-reaching implications for global energy markets and international security.
