In an unprecedented military escalation, President Donald Trump has commanded the U.S. Navy to shoot and destroy any vessels caught deploying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. This directive, issued on Thursday, was shared via his Truth Social platform with a clear instruction to act without hesitation.
“I have instructed the U.S. Navy to fire upon and annihilate any vessel, no matter how small (all their warships, the 159 of them, are at the bottom of the sea!), that is placing mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There should be no doubt,” Trump posted at 8:45 am.
In the same message, he noted that U.S. minesweepers are already active in the strait and ordered their operations to be tripled immediately.
Shortly after, at 9:14 am, Trump issued a follow-up message declaring that the United States has complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that no ship can enter or exit without U.S. Navy approval.
“It is sealed tight until Iran is able to finalize a deal,” stated the president, who also commented on Iran’s internal leadership crisis, pointing out that the “hardline” factions have suffered significant losses on the battlefield while “moderates” gain influence.
These statements come a day after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly fired without warning on a container ship in the strait, causing damage, as confirmed by the UK Maritime Organization.
On the same day, Trump had extended a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, which Iranian state television refused to honor.
The crisis dates back to February 28, when Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israeli offensive, obliterated over 90% of Iran’s missile capacity, 95% of its drones, and more than 1,000 military and nuclear sites, also resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In retaliation, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz on March 4 using mines, drones, and missiles, blocking 20% of the world's oil supply and causing Brent crude prices to spike from $67 to over $126 per barrel.
Following unsuccessful negotiations in Islamabad on April 12, led by U.S. representatives JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, Trump enforced a naval blockade effective April 13.
Since the blockade’s initiation, at least 19 vessels have reversed course, and on April 19, U.S. Marines boarded the Iranian cargo ship MV Touska after it was disabled by the destroyer USS Spruance.
Iran is also grappling with a severe internal crisis: Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son, has assumed the role of new supreme leader but is wounded and lacks religious legitimacy, while the IRGC has replaced moderate Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in negotiations, placing General Baqeri in charge.
Negotiation positions remain at an impasse: Washington demands the complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program and a twenty-year moratorium on uranium enrichment, whereas Tehran offers only five years and seeks $270 billion in compensations.
A military report shared with Congress on Wednesday estimated that it could take up to six months to clear all the mines from the Strait.
Key Questions on U.S. Navy Actions in the Strait of Hormuz
What directives has President Trump given regarding the Strait of Hormuz?
President Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to fire on and destroy any vessels attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
How is the U.S. responding to Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz?
The U.S. has increased minesweeping operations and enforced a naval blockade to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, preventing unauthorized maritime activity.
What are the key negotiation points between the U.S. and Iran?
The U.S. is demanding the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and a twenty-year halt to uranium enrichment, while Iran offers a five-year pause and seeks financial compensations.