Washington, Apr 24:
Donald Trump announced that he has ordered the US military to “shoot and kill” any small Iranian boats attempting to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
He emphasized there should be “no hesitation” in acting against such threats and said US naval forces are currently intensifying mine-clearing operations in the area.
The statement came shortly after US forces seized another tanker allegedly linked to Iranian oil smuggling, further escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The tanker, identified as the Majestic X, was intercepted in the Indian Ocean between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The vessel had previously been sanctioned by the US for transporting Iranian crude oil in violation of sanctions and was reportedly en route to Zhoushan.
According to the US Defense Department, the seizure is part of ongoing maritime enforcement efforts aimed at disrupting illicit networks supporting Iran’s oil trade.
Officials stated that such operations would continue globally wherever such activities are detected. There was no immediate response from Iran regarding the tanker seizure.
The situation in the region has worsened following recent attacks by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guards, who targeted three cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz and reportedly seized two of them.
These developments have intensified an already fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran, which had been extended by Trump just days earlier.
Despite the ceasefire, the US has maintained a blockade on Iranian ports, contributing to rising tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas passes.
Ongoing hostilities have significantly disrupted maritime traffic, with many vessels avoiding the route due to safety concerns, higher insurance costs, and the risk of further attacks.
Since late February, more than 30 ships have reportedly been targeted across the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and nearby waters.
The broader conflict—also involving Israel—has already had global economic repercussions.
Energy prices have surged, affecting fuel and food costs worldwide, while businesses and governments brace for long-term economic impacts.
Efforts to revive diplomatic negotiations, previously hosted in Islamabad, remain uncertain.
Separately, exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi criticized the ceasefire during a press event in Berlin, arguing it wrongly assumes a shift in Iran’s leadership.
The event was briefly disrupted when an individual threw red liquid at him, and the suspect was detained.
Overall, the confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz continues to escalate, with military actions, economic disruptions, and diplomatic uncertainty signaling a prolonged and unstable standoff.