U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the military to “shoot and kill” Iranian boats accused of laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, sharply escalating tensions in one of the world’s most critical water corridors.
In a social media post Thursday, Trump said U.S. naval forces have been directed to act without hesitation against small vessels attempting to disrupt shipping in the strait, while also ramping up mine-clearing operations. The directive comes as the U.S. intensifies efforts to keep the vital passage open, through which roughly 20 per cent of global oil and gas trade flows.
The move follows a series of recent confrontations, including attacks by Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on commercial vessels and the reported seizure of tankers. U.S. forces have also intercepted ships linked to Iranian oil smuggling, further deepening the standoff.
The conflict has effectively choked maritime traffic through the strait, with shipping companies deterred by rising insurance costs and security risks. Since the outbreak of fighting in late February, dozens of vessels have reportedly been targeted across the Persian Gulf and nearby waters.
Diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. A U.S.-Iran ceasefire has been extended but is under strain, and there is no clear timeline for the resumption of talks that had been expected in Islamabad.
The escalating crisis is already having global consequences. Energy prices have surged, pushing up costs for transportation, food, and consumer goods worldwide, while governments and industry leaders warn of prolonged economic disruption if the situation worsens.
