Trump Orders US Navy to Shoot and Kill Boats Laying Mines in Strait of Hormuz

Gate News message, April 23 — President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to “shoot and kill” any Iranian boat laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz “without hesitation,” according to a statement posted on Truth Social today. Trump also directed minesweepers to continue clearing the strait at triple capacity.

The Strait of Hormuz carries approximately 20% of global oil and gas supplies during peacetime. The order comes amid escalating tensions, as Iran attacked three vessels in the waterway on Wednesday, with Iranian state media reporting the Revolutionary Guard was responsible. The attacks occurred after Trump announced an indefinite extension of the US-Iran ceasefire, though the US maintained its blockade of Iranian ports.

If Iran successfully places mines in the strait, it could block critical energy supply routes, threatening global economic stability. The conflict has already driven up oil prices globally and increased costs for food and other goods; prolonged disruption of the strait would intensify these economic consequences. An Iranian diplomat stated negotiations would not resume until the US blockade is lifted.