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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. military to 'shoot and kill' small Iranian boats deploying mines in the Strait
of Hormuz, a move announced on Thursday following Iran's recent actions that threatened maritime traffic through the critical waterway. This announcement coincided with the U.S. military's seizure of another tanker linked to Iranian oil smuggling, heightening tensions between Washington and Tehran in a region crucial for global oil transport, where approximately 20% of all crude oil and natural gas traded occurs during peacetime.
Military Directive
In a post on social media, Trump stated, 'I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be ... putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.' He added that U.S. minesweepers are currently engaged in clearing operations in the strait.Trump emphasized the need to escalate these operations, declaring, 'I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level!' This directive underscores the U.S. commitment to safeguarding maritime routes in the face of Iranian provocations.
Ceasefire Extension in Lebanon
During a meeting at the White House, Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The discussions involved the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States.While diplomatic efforts continue, the timeline for future U.S.-Iran meetings remains uncertain. Iran has insisted that it will not engage in talks until the U.S. lifts its blockade on Iranian ports, while the White House demands that Tehran ensure safe passage through the strait for international traffic.
Recent Military Actions and Concerns
Footage released by the Defense Department depicted U.S. forces on the deck of the oil tanker Majestic X, which was seized in the Indian Ocean. The vessel was reportedly flying a Guyanese flag, although the government of Guyana stated that it is not registered there.This incident followed an attack by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on three cargo ships in the strait, raising alarms about the safety of maritime operations in the area. Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, head of Iran’s judiciary, stated that three ships violating regulations in the strait were subject to enforcement actions.
Trump's Claims on Iranian Leadership
Trump remarked that a leadership divide within Iran was hindering the country's ability to present a unified proposal for peace. He stated, 'Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know!' This claim was met with rebuttals from Iranian officials, who asserted that the nation remains united.Despite ongoing conflict, Trump asserted that he does not plan to use nuclear weapons against Iran. He indicated that the U.S. military actions taken in the initial stages of the conflict were successful and that the focus is now on negotiating a deal.
Ongoing Tensions and Future Prospects
As the conflict persists, three U.S. aircraft carriers are stationed in the region, with one having recently arrived in the Indian Ocean. Trump noted that the U.S. is committed to ensuring that Iran ceases its support for militias such as Hezbollah in Lebanon as a condition for any potential agreement.Since the onset of the conflict on February 28, over 30 vessels have reportedly faced attacks in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. Maritime security experts have expressed concerns about the implications of these attacks on shipping operations, emphasizing the need for a stable ceasefire to restore safe transit through the strait.
