Washington D.C., UNITED STATES — President Donald J. Trump issued stricter military directives on Thursday, ordering the United States Navy to “shoot and kill” any Iranian boats found laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
The President’s social media declaration comes amid a deepening maritime crisis that has effectively halted 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas trade.
“I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be… that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation,” the President posted.
Okay News reports that the Pentagon subsequently confirmed that mine-clearing operations have been “tripled up,” despite warnings that fully clearing the waterway of Iranian-laid mines could take up to six months.
President Trump also asserted that the U.S. Navy now maintains “total control” over the Strait, claiming the passage is “Sealed up Tight” and that no vessel can enter or leave without American approval. This de facto blockade follows the expiration of the Islamabad Talks and recent attacks by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on commercial cargo ships. The President claimed that 159 of Iran’s naval ships are now “at the bottom of the sea” following the military campaign that began in February.
In a separate statement, the President commented on alleged “crazy” infighting within the Tehran leadership. He claimed that Iranian “Hardliners” are losing internal influence to “Moderates” following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While Tehran has officially rejected these claims as “enemy propaganda,” intelligence reports suggest a significant power struggle is underway as Mojtaba Khamenei has yet to make a public appearance since his father’s passing.
Global energy experts have described the current standoff as the “largest supply shock” in history. Brent crude remains highly volatile as the U.S. continues global maritime enforcement to interdict vessels providing material support to Iran. President Trump emphasized that the blockade will remain in place until Iran is prepared to make a “DEAL” that includes the permanent reopening of the Strait and the cessation of regional hostilities.
