Donald Trump has issued a "shoot to kill" order for Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The president said he has also directed the US navy to step-up clearance of the explosive devices from the critical Gulf waterway.
Meanwhile, the American military seized another tanker suspected of smuggling Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean. The seizure comes after Iran attacked three cargo ships on Wednesday in the strait, capturing two of them. On Tuesday, Mr Trump extended a ceasefire while maintaining an American blockade of Iranian ports.
The conflict and ensuing stand-off between the US and Iran has effectively closed the critical shipping route, sending energy prices soaring and damaging the global economy.
Trump's statement on Truth Social
Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be (Their naval ships are ALL, 159 of them, at the bottom of the sea!), that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation.
"Additionally, our mine 'sweepers' are clearing the Strait right now. I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP."
In a further post a short time later, he added: "Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don't know!
"The infighting is between the 'Hardliners', who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the 'Moderates', who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is CRAZY!
"We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is 'Sealed up Tight', until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP."
Impact on global trade
The ongoing confrontation has severely disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments. Energy prices have surged as a result, with further implications for the world economy. The US Navy's intensified mine-clearing operations aim to restore safe passage, but the situation remains volatile.
