President Donald Trump has issued a 'shoot to kill' order against Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the blockaded waterway. In a post on Truth Social, Trump instructed the US Navy to target any vessel placing mines in the strait, which has been effectively shut to maritime traffic since the US and Israeli war with Iran began in February.
Trump's Direct Order
'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,' Trump wrote. 'There is to be no hesitation. Additionally, our 'mine sweepers' are clearing the Strait right now.'
The order came hours after the US military seized another tanker associated with smuggling Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean. On Wednesday, Iran attacked three cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, capturing two of them. Trump's harsh rhetoric against ships in the strait marks a change in attitude after the firing of his Navy Chief this week.
Departure of Navy Secretary
US Navy Secretary John Phelan is the latest high-ranking military leader to leave the Trump administration in recent months. On Wednesday, the Pentagon announced Phelan's departure, effective immediately, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. The departure is believed to be linked to the ongoing blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
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