United States President Donald Trump has directed the US Navy to “shoot and kill” any vessel suspected of laying mines in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said there should be “no hesitation” in engaging such vessels, adding that American mine-clearing operations were already underway in the waterway.
The directive comes amid intensifying naval confrontations in the strait, where Iranian-linked small boats often described as part of a “mosquito fleet,” have allegedly attacked or harassed oil tankers and laid sea mines, threatening global shipping routes.
The latest order is rooted in a broader geopolitical crisis that has unfolded over recent months between the United States, Iran, and regional allies.
The conflict traces back to late February 2026, when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian targets, triggering a wider confrontation. In response, Iran moved to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, warning that only approved vessels would be allowed passage.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint through which roughly 20 per cent of global oil supply flows, making any disruption a major threat to global energy markets.
Iran’s closure of the strait, coupled with threats to attack unauthorised vessels, led to a dramatic drop in shipping traffic and rising insurance costs for tankers.
In March, the United States launched an aerial and naval campaign aimed at reopening the waterway, targeting Iranian naval assets and mine-laying capabilities.
Following failed peace talks in April, Washington imposed a naval blockade on Iran, intercepting vessels linked to Iranian ports and escalating tensions further.
Recent developments have seen both sides intensify their actions at sea. Iran has reportedly seized commercial vessels and attempted to enforce control over the strait, even proposing toll systems for passing ships, moves rejected by the United States and its allies.
The Pentagon has warned that clearing mines from the strait could take months, underlining the scale of the threat to maritime security and global oil supply chains.
