Dubai, April 23
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he has directed the American military to act against Iranian boats allegedly laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that signals heightened tensions in the key maritime corridor.
In a social media post, Trump said the US Navy has been instructed to “shoot and kill” any small boats involved in placing mines in the waters of the strait. He stressed that there should be no hesitation in executing the order. “I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be, that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation,” he said.
The US President also said that mine-clearing operations in the region are being stepped up. He added that naval mine sweepers are already active in the area and have been directed to continue operations at an increased level. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global shipping route for energy supplies, and any escalation in the region could have wider implications for international trade and security.
