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

President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Navy to shoot and kill any vessel attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the vital oil shipping lane amid an ongoing standoff with Iran. The order, announced via Truth Social on Thursday, April 23, 2026, underscores the administration’s hardline stance on securing the strait, which has been largely disrupted by Iranian mining activity since late February.

Trump emphasized there would be no hesitation in enforcing the directive, stating the U.S. Has “total control” over the waterway and that no ship can enter or exit without Navy approval. He also ordered U.S. Minesweepers to intensify clearance operations at a “tripled up level” to remove explosive hazards threatening global shipping.

The U.S. Military has already taken action, firing on an Iranian-flagged vessel accused of violating the naval blockade near the strait. U.S. Central Command reported directing 31 ships to turn around or return to port as part of the blockade on Iranian ports in the region. Intelligence assessments cited by U.S. Officials indicate at least a dozen Iranian-made Maham 3 and Maham 7 limpet mines are present in the strait.

Despite the aggressive posture, Trump said there is “no time pressure” in negotiations with Iran and no fixed timeline for ending the conflict, which began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. The administration maintains the blockade and mining clearance efforts are intended to compel Tehran to reopen the strait and return to talks.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil markets, with approximately one-fifth of the world’s petroleum passing through the narrow waterway. Prolonged disruption risks significant economic repercussions worldwide, even as diplomatic channels remain strained.