President Donald Trump has significantly ramped up the U.S. stance toward Iran, commanding the Navy to employ lethal force against any Iranian vessels detected laying mines in the critical Strait of Hormuz.
This decisive order came through a post on Truth Social, highlighting a commitment to a firmer approach as hostilities in the Gulf heighten.
“I have mandated the United States Navy to shoot and neutralize any small boats laying mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Their naval fleet is largely incapacitated!”
“There is to be no hesitation. Furthermore, our mine clearance operations are underway and will now proceed at an even greater scale!”
Just moments before this announcement, the Pentagon released footage displaying U.S. forces boarding the Majestic X, a tanker linked to Iran reportedly carrying oil from the regime.
The Pentagon affirmed its commitment to global maritime enforcement, aiming to disrupt illicit activities and seize vessels that support Iran’s operations at sea.
They emphasized that sanctioned entities cannot find refuge in international waters, a clear signal that more seizures are planned as the blockade remains in effect.
This latest operation occurred shortly after Iranian forces fired upon commercial ships in the strait, seizing two vessels in a show of aggression, which was widely reported by Iranian state media. Footage circulated showing masked soldiers storming the vessels, indicating that tensions are more than just verbal threats.
The escalating conflict has led to disruptions in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway responsible for transporting about 20% of the world’s oil. Markets reacted swiftly, with Brent crude prices spiking above $103 a barrel as concerns over a potential conflict grew.
Trump has repeatedly extended the ceasefire, maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports while leveraging naval pressure to navigate diplomatic discussions, avoiding a full-scale military response.
RELATED: JUST IN: Iran Captures Two Ships After Opening Fire In Strait Of Hormuz
Iran’s recent provocations followed Trump’s announcement of a successful U.S. operation against the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman. This vessel allegedly disregarded orders while trying to breach the blockade, leading to its disabling and subsequent capture by U.S. Marines.
The cargo was later described by Trump as a “gift from China.”
MORE ON THE STRAIT: WATCH: U.S. Navy Seizes Iranian Vessel Outside Strait Of Hormuz
As of Thursday, there has been no official reaction from Tehran regarding the Majestic X seizure.
Notably, China, which remains the largest importer of Iranian oil, has been granted permission by Tehran to continue vessel transit through the strait, despite the ongoing conflict, along with select tankers heading to Pakistan and India.
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