by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a stark directive to the U.S. Navy, ordering forces to “shoot and kill” any vessels attempting to lay mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, signaling a sharp escalation in enforcement amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared there would be “no hesitation” in neutralizing small boats suspected of deploying naval mines. The directive comes as U.S. forces continue active mine-clearing operations in the region, which the president said are now being intensified to “a tripled up level.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments passes. The administration has effectively sealed the waterway as part of a broader pressure campaign aimed at forcing Tehran into a negotiated settlement.
Trump’s announcement coincides with a fragile ceasefire, as the U.S. awaits a unified peace proposal from Iranian leadership through Pakistani mediators. While expressing willingness to allow time for negotiations, the president indicated frustration with internal divisions in Tehran, describing ongoing infighting between so-called “hardliners” and “moderates.”
Despite maintaining the ceasefire for now, Trump’s order underscores the volatility in the region. Iranian forces have reportedly seized foreign vessels and continue to pose a threat through potential mine-laying operations—one of the most disruptive tactics available in the narrow shipping corridor.
The president emphasized that U.S. forces currently hold decisive control over the strait. “No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy,” Trump wrote, describing the waterway as effectively “sealed up tight” until Iran agrees to terms that meet U.S. demands, including halting its nuclear ambitions.
The developments reflect the high-stakes balance between military pressure and diplomatic outreach, as Washington seeks to compel Tehran to the negotiating table while preventing further disruption to global commerce and regional stability.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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