World3 min(s) read
Published 10:44 24 Apr 2026 GMT
Donald Trump has issued a harrowing order to US troops in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions over the crucial trading route continue to rise.
The President has ordered the military to track down any mines that may have been planted in the area, with the explosives using magnetic and acoustic sensors to detect passing vessels.
But after weeks of trying to detect these devices, the US Navy has now been told to take action against vessels which are found guilty of planting mines.
When these mines detonate while ships are passing through, it gives Iran some power when it comes to the nation's ongoing conflict with the US.
This is due to the naval mines stopping traffic in the Strait once again, sending oil prices around the world through the roof, making a dent on the world's economy.
On top of this, the US would be forced to carry out a clean-up mission, and Trump seems to have gotten sick of this vicious cycle.
President Trump took to Truth Social to deliver a scathing line about stopping Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz, which is responsible for shipping a fifth of the world's total crude oil.
Writing in a post on Thursday (April 23), he penned: "I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be (Their naval ships are ALL, 159 of them, at the bottom of the sea!), that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
"There is to be no hesitation. Additionally, our mine 'sweepers' are clearing the Strait right now.
"I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level!" he concluded.
US officials played down reports that suggested it could take up to six months to clear the Strait of possible mines completely, as spokesman Sean Parnell told the BBC that this is 'an impossibility and completely unacceptable'.
Taking to the social media platform shortly after the post, Trump went on: "Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know!"
He said that there is "infighting", and even claimed: "We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. 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 vital shipping route remains shut, with the deadlock casting doubt over a possible resolution being found.
Iranian officials have been adamant that they won't be "bullied" by the US leader.
Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the nation's chief negotiator and parliamentary speaker, fiercely stated: "You did not achieve your goals through military aggression and you will not achieve them by bullying either.
"The only way is recognising the Iranian people’s rights."
But the BBC reports that Trump believes that his methods are "working very well," as he even claimed earlier on in the war that "a whole civilization" could be destroyed.
"The other side is dying to make a deal," he responded when asked about his words being a possible hint to using nuclear weapons.
"So whatever I’m saying or whatever I’m doing, it seems to be working very well. Thank you very much."
