U.S. President escalates maritime stance during fragile ceasefire, asserting total naval control as tensions rise over blockades and renewed threats of conflict
President Donald Trump said Thursday that he has ordered the United States Navy to “shoot and kill” any Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, amid a fragile ceasefire between the two countries.
Trump wrote on social media that the United States will intensify efforts to clear mines that have disrupted global shipping, directing U.S. minesweepers to continue operations in the strait “at a tripled up level!”
The Strait of Hormuz has remained a central flashpoint in the U.S.-Israel conflict involving Iran. Prior to the war, roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas passed through the waterway.
According to Trump, the United States now has “total control” over the Strait.
“No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is ‘Sealed up Tight,’ until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!!” he said in a separate post on Truth Social.
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces had ordered 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the U.S. blockade targeting Iran.
As of Thursday, U.S. forces have redirected 33 vessels since the blockade began, according to CENTCOM, intensifying the maritime standoff between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned the blockade in an April 21 statement.
“Blockading Iranian ports is an act of war and thus a violation of the ceasefire,” he said. “Striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation. Iran knows how to neutralize restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying.”
Tehran attacked three commercial ships and seized two of them on Wednesday, as the ongoing U.S. naval blockade continues to hinder new peace negotiations.
Iranian state television aired footage showing armed commandos boarding a large cargo vessel overnight, underscoring the country’s tightened control over the Strait.
The conflict, initiated by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28, has been paused since a fragile ceasefire took effect on April 8. However, Israel has signaled readiness to resume military operations.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a video statement Thursday that the country is awaiting a “green light” from the United States, warning that any renewed strikes would be “different” and “lethal.”
