President Donald J. Trump announced a significant escalation in American naval policy on Thursday, issuing a direct order to the United States Navy to engage any Iranian vessels attempting to place mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a series of statements posted to Truth Social, the President authorized service members to “shoot and kill” any boats involved in mining activities, regardless of their size.
The directive comes alongside an order to triple the current frequency and scale of mine-sweeping operations within the strategic waterway. President Trump characterized the current naval environment as one under total American authority, asserting that the Strait is now “sealed up tight” and that “no ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy.”
“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,” the President stated. He emphasized that the military should act without “hesitation” in enforcing the new rules of engagement.
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The President’s comments also touched on the internal political climate in Tehran, describing a state of “crazy” infighting between “Hardliners” and “Moderates.” According to the President, the Iranian government is struggling to maintain a clear chain of command as the two factions vie for influence following recent military setbacks.
“Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know!” the President wrote, adding that the naval lockdown would remain in effect “until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!!”
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints. While the President claimed that Iran’s primary naval fleet has been neutralized—noting that “their naval ships are ALL, 159 of them, at the bottom of the sea”—the focus of this new order specifically targets the smaller, fast-attack craft often utilized for minelaying and harassment tactics in the region.
Pentagon officials have not yet released a separate statement regarding the specific implementation of these increased mine-sweeping levels or the updated engagement protocols.
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