US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he had ordered the US navy to “shoot and kill” boats placing mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social, the US president said, “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”.
He insisted that “there is to be no hesitation”.
He added that the US mine “sweepers” were clearing the strait “right now”.
“I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level,” the US president said.
Trump has claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is completely under American control and that no vessel can enter or leave the waterway without approval from the US Navy.
Trump said Iran is currently facing severe internal political instability, particularly regarding leadership and governance issues.
He claimed that tensions exist between hardline and moderate factions within the country, adding that hardliners are suffering setbacks while moderates are gaining some support.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 23, 2026
Trump further asserted that the United States has taken full control of the Strait of Hormuz and that no ship will be allowed to pass without US permission.
He added that the route would remain restricted until Iran agrees to a deal, describing the measure as temporary and aimed at pushing Tehran toward negotiations.
