U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the military to “shoot down” and “eliminate” small Iranian vessels believed to be hindering navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while also announcing the initiation of enhanced mine-clearing efforts in this crucial maritime route.
In a message shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump remarked: “I have directed the U.S. Navy to engage and destroy any boats, irrespective of size, that are laying mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.”
He continued, “There must be no hesitation. Our minesweepers are actively clearing the Strait.”
The president also called for an escalation of the operation, stating: “I hereby order this procedure to continue, but with an intensity three times greater.”
In another announcement, Trump asserted that Iran is experiencing internal strife regarding its leadership, describing a conflict between “hardliners,” whom he noted are incurring significant losses on the battlefield, and “moderates,” who he claimed are gaining more acknowledgment.
He further insisted that the United States “entirely controls” the Strait of Hormuz, although he did not present any evidence for this claim, stating that the crucial waterway would remain “firmly closed” until Iran comes to a consensus.
