Trump Orders US Military to ‘Shoot and Kill’ Iranian Boats Near Strait of Hormuz

Trump Orders US Military to ‘Shoot and Kill’ Iranian Boats Near Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has ordered the US military to “shoot and kill” small Iranian boats allegedly involved in deploying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, in a major escalation of tensions over one of the world’s most strategic shipping routes.

In a post on social media, Trump said the US Navy has been directed to use force against any small boats suspected of laying mines aimed at disrupting maritime traffic through the strait. He insisted there should be “no hesitation,” adding that US mine-clearing operations in the area are already ongoing and being intensified.

He further stated that military mine-clearing activities in the region would continue “at a tripled up level,” signaling a stronger US naval posture in the Gulf amid rising confrontation with Iran.

The announcement came shortly after the US military reportedly seized another tanker linked to Iranian oil smuggling operations, further heightening tensions between Washington and Tehran over maritime control and sanctions enforcement.

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The United States Department of Defense released footage showing US forces boarding a Guinea-flagged oil tanker identified as Majestic X in the Indian Ocean. Officials said the vessel was part of broader operations targeting ships allegedly involved in transporting sanctioned Iranian crude oil.

According to the Pentagon, global maritime enforcement operations will continue to disrupt illegal shipping networks and intercept vessels accused of supporting Iranian oil exports in violation of US sanctions.

Ship-tracking data indicated the seized tanker was located between Sri Lanka and Indonesia before being boarded, with reports suggesting it was en route to China. The vessel had previously been sanctioned by US authorities over alleged oil smuggling activities.

The latest developments follow reports of renewed clashes in the region, including attacks on commercial vessels attributed to Iran’s paramilitary forces in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities, however, have not officially responded to the recent seizure and US military claims.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy corridor, handling a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments. Any disruption to traffic in the waterway has immediate implications for global energy prices and supply chains.

The situation has further deteriorated amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, with repeated incidents in the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and surrounding waters since the outbreak of hostilities.

Rising risks in the region have already led to increased insurance costs for shipping companies and reduced vessel movement through the strait, raising concerns about long-term global economic impacts.

Diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation have yet to produce a lasting breakthrough, as maritime confrontations and enforcement actions continue alongside fragile ceasefire arrangements.

Trump Orders US Military to ‘Shoot and Kill’ Iranian Boats Near Strait of Hormuz