President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he had issued a direct order to the United States Navy to use lethal force against any vessels placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in U.S. posture in the region amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
In a Truth Social post published April 23 at 7:45 a.m., Trump wrote, “I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be (Their naval ships are ALL, 159 of them, at the bottom of the sea!), that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.” He added, “There is to be no hesitation.” The president also stated that U.S. minesweepers were actively clearing the waterway and that he had ordered those operations to continue “at a tripled up level.”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 23, 2026
The directive comes as both the United States and Iran have increased efforts to assert control over shipping routes in and around the strait, a critical corridor for global oil and gas transport. According to reports, Iranian forces claimed a day earlier to have seized two cargo ships near the waterway, while U.S. forces have continued intercepting vessels linked to Iranian oil shipments. The Pentagon confirmed that American forces recently boarded another sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean, following a similar operation earlier in the week.
Trump’s statement represented a sharper tone compared to prior comments from the administration during the current cease-fire period. While the White House had previously indicated that certain Iranian actions did not necessarily violate the truce, the president’s latest remarks emphasized immediate and forceful military response. “Additionally, our mine ‘sweepers’ are clearing the Strait right now,” Trump wrote, underscoring ongoing naval operations in the area.
The heightened tensions have contributed to renewed volatility in global energy markets, with oil prices rising above $100 per barrel. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically important maritime chokepoints in the world, and disruptions there have historically had significant economic consequences. It remains unclear whether active mine-laying operations are currently taking place, though the U.S. directive signals preparedness for rapid escalation.
The developments follow months of sustained military engagement tied to the broader conflict with Iran, including large-scale operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure and leadership. The situation in and around the strait continues to evolve, with both sides maintaining a visible military presence and competing claims over maritime security and enforcement.