WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has issued a direct and aggressive order to the U.S. Navy: immediately destroy any Iranian vessels caught laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with no hesitation. The move comes as tensions in the critical waterway continue to escalate dramatically.
In a post on Truth Social Thursday (April 23, 2026), Trump made his position crystal clear: “I have ordered the U.S. Navy to shoot down and destroy any boat, no matter how small, that is laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. No hesitation allowed.” He added that American minesweepers are already operating in the area and that he has tripled the intensity of those operations.
“I have ordered them to continue — but at three times the strength!” Trump emphasized.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes, carrying roughly 20% of global oil and natural gas. Trump’s latest directive reinforces his hardline stance aimed at securing safe passage through the region amid rising global economic pressures.
The White House and Pentagon have repeatedly claimed significant damage to Iran’s naval capabilities, stating that around 150 Iranian vessels have been destroyed. However, Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces continue to operate with small, agile boats that pose a persistent threat.
In the same post, Trump expressed frustration with Iran’s leadership, writing: “Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They really don’t know!”
U.S. Boards Another Iran-Linked Vessel Tensions rose further as American forces intercepted and boarded the M/T Majestic X, an stateless tanker suspected of carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean. The Pentagon said the vessel was under sanctions for transporting Iranian crude.
“We will continue to enforce international maritime law to disrupt illegal networks and intercept vessels providing material support to Iran, wherever they operate,” the statement read.
Earlier this week, U.S. forces also boarded the M/T Tifani, another stateless tanker linked to Iranian oil shipments. These actions signal Washington’s determination to crack down on what it calls Iran’s shadow fleet and illegal maritime activities.