Washington, DC – US President Donald Trump has ordered the US military to target and destroy Iranian small boats that are laying sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
This move represents a new military escalation in the vital waterway.
direct military orders
Trump explained via Truth Social that he had instructed the US Navy to “shoot down and destroy
any vessel, regardless of size,” that threatens navigation by laying mines.
He emphasized that there would be no hesitation in carrying out these instructions.
He added that US minesweepers had already begun clearing operations in the shipping lane.
Expanding operations in the Gulf
The US president indicated that he had ordered a tripling of military operations.
He also asserted that his country had “complete” control over the Strait of Hormuz, without providing any evidence.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the waterway would remain closed until Iran reached an agreement.
This was seen as a sign of continued military and political pressure on Tehran.
Internal division in Iran
In a related context, Trump spoke of an internal power struggle within Iran between what he called “hardliners”
who are suffering losses and “moderates” who are gaining increasing influence.
He also suggested that this division reflects a difficulty in identifying leadership within the country.
Trump had previously announced a temporary extension of the ceasefire with Iran, at Pakistan’s request, to allow for negotiations.
He simultaneously affirmed that US forces would remain fully prepared to resume operations if necessary.
