On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced that he has commanded the U.S. Navy to confront any ships responsible for laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions with Iran regarding one of the globe’s most crucial oil-shipping lanes.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that there should be “no hesitation” when it comes to engaging vessels involved in such activities, instructing the Navy to shoot and eliminate any threat.
The President noted that U.S. minesweepers are currently operating at an increased capacity to clear the waterway, which has faced significant closures since conflicts erupted in late February.
The action indicates the U.S. is intensifying efforts to pressure Tehran into reopening the strait, a condition crucial to a fragile ceasefire that was recently extended by Trump.
To support this pressure strategy, the U.S. has implemented a naval blockade aimed at Iranian ports. U.S. Central Command reported that they have intercepted and redirected 31 vessels back to port.
Trump asserted that the United States maintains strong control over the strait. He later reiterated, “We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz,” asserting that no ship can navigate without U.S. Navy approval.
He added, “It is ‘Sealed up Tight,’ until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!!”
Notably, the traffic flow through the strait has drastically decreased, with current numbers barely reaching the single digits. In contrast, peacetime usually sees around 100 ships transiting daily, accounting for roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that reopening the Strait of Hormuz will remain impossible as long as the U.S. blockade is enforced.
