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

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, April 23, 2026, that he has ordered the U.S. Navy to “shoot and kill” any boat caught laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with Iran over control of the vital oil shipping route.

The directive was shared in a Truth Social post, where Trump emphasized there is to be “no hesitation” in enforcing the order. He similarly stated that U.S. Minesweepers are being deployed to clear the strait “at a tripled up level!”

Trump asserted that the United States now has total control over the Strait of Hormuz, declaring, “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!!!”

The order comes amid an ongoing U.S.-Iran ceasefire that was set to expire this week but was unilaterally extended by the president. Trump has been pushing Tehran to fully reopen the strait as part of a negotiated agreement.

U.S. Central Command confirmed that it has directed 31 ships to turn around or return to port as part of a retaliatory naval blockade on Iranian ports in the region, aimed at pressuring Iran to loosen its grip on the waterway and return to negotiations.

Despite claims from both the U.S. And Iran that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open,” commercial shipping traffic remains severely restricted. The waterway typically carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies, but few vessels have traversed it since the war began in late February.

Iran has released videos showing its commandos seizing ships in the strait, while the U.S. Maintains its blockade and mine-clearing operations. Financial markets reacted to recent announcements of openness with a drop in oil prices, though analysts question whether pre-war traffic levels will be restored soon.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides issuing conflicting statements about access and control of one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.