US Navy Told To Target Boats Laying Mines In Strait Of Hormuz After Iran Seizures

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the United States Navy to open fire on any vessels suspected of placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, significantly escalating tensions in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors. The directive marks a sharp intensification of Washington’s response amid an ongoing standoff with Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that there should be “no hesitation” in targeting boats involved in mining operations, including small vessels. He also confirmed that U.S. mine-clearing efforts in the strait are underway and ordered those operations to be expanded to three times their current level. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of globally traded oil, making any military escalation in the region a matter of international concern.

The announcement follows recent incidents in which Iran seized two cargo vessels in the strait, further heightening tensions. Iranian state media released footage showing members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps boarding a container ship identified as MSC Francesca. Another vessel, the Epaminodes, was also taken. The Philippine government confirmed that 15 of its nationals were on board the seized ships and reported that they were safe.

Also Read: Iran Conflict Disrupts Jet Fuel Supply, European Airlines Scale Back Summer Schedules

U.S. officials have previously indicated that Iran may have deployed sea mines in the region using small boats capable of carrying multiple devices. These developments have added to fears about the safety of commercial shipping through the strait, where traffic had already slowed due to security concerns and earlier disruptions.

The Strait of Hormuz has been at the center of a broader confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Recent peace talks between the two sides, held in Islamabad, collapsed after extended negotiations, prompting the U.S. to impose a naval blockade. Iran has since introduced a toll system for ships passing through the waterway, a move widely viewed as controversial under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Meanwhile, international diplomatic and military efforts are continuing to address the crisis. The United Kingdom and France have hosted meetings with defense officials from more than 40 nations to coordinate responses aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation. Despite these efforts, Trump’s latest order signals a readiness to enforce U.S. policy through direct military action, raising concerns about further escalation in an already volatile region.

Also Read: Iran Threatens Gulf Oil Shutdown If Attacked From Neighbouring Territories