1. Home
2. Middle East
3. Trump Orders U.S. Navy to Destroy Vessels Laying Mines in Hormuz

President Donald Trump on Thursday vowed the United States would destroy any vessel laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as he ratchets up pressure on Iran to reopen the crucial sea passage.

"I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be... that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

U.S.–Iran Standoff Deepens 

"There is to be no hesitation. Additionally, our mine 'sweepers' are clearing the Strait right now." Iran has pledged it will keep the strategic strait closed to all but a trickle of approved vessels for as long as the United States blockades its ports, brushing off Trump's demands.

Peace talks in Islamabad remain stalled, with Iran not confirming its participation and the stand-off battering the world economy. "Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is!" Trump added Thursday.

He claimed the United States had "total control" over Hormuz and would only reopen it when Iran agreed to a peace deal.

CENTCOM Details Maritime Operation

In parallel, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said U.S. forces had instructed 31 vessels—mostly oil tankers—to alter course or return to port as part of ongoing maritime enforcement measures linked to the blockade on Iran.

According to CENTCOM, most of the vessels complied with the directive.

The operation reportedly involves more than 10,000 U.S. military personnel, over 17 warships, and more than 100 aircraft, including fighter jets, rotary-wing aircraft, and surveillance platforms.

The deployed naval assets include aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, amphibious transport dock vessels, and guided-missile destroyers, reflecting what officials describe as a sustained and multi-domain maritime posture in the region.