The US military conducted new strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to lay mines, citing self-defense. The strikes occurred amidst ongoing ceasefire and peace talks between the US and Iran, with officials downplaying the imminence of a deal.
The US conducted 'self-defense' airstrikes in southern Iran targeting missile launch sites and Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passageway. CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins stated the strikes were to protect US troops from Iranian threats.
Trump has ordered the US Navy to shoot and kill any Iranian boats suspected of laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming Washington has 'total control' over the key waterway until Iran agrees to a deal. The warning comes amid a maritime standoff in the strait, which handles approximately 20% of global oil and gas flows. Traffic has largely halted following the US-Israeli campaign against Iran and Tehran's retaliation, despite a fragile ceasefire. The Pentagon estimates clearing suspected mines could take months, while Brent crude has risen above $100 per barrel.
CNN reports the US military is developing plans to strike Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, including mine-laying vessels and fast attack craft. The strategy shift focuses on strategically important waterways in the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and southern Persian Gulf. Potential targets include dual-use facilities, energy infrastructure, and IRGC Commander Major General Ahmad Vahidi.
US forces have boarded the M/T Majestic X, a sanctioned ship carrying Iranian oil, in the latest maritime interdiction against Iran. The interception occurred in the Indian Ocean as part of a US blockade imposed on Iranian ports on April 13. President Trump has ordered the Navy to shoot and kill any vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming full US control of the waterway. Meanwhile, Iran's navy seized two cargo ships in the strait, and Tehran rejected US claims of a ceasefire extension, saying the blockade makes reopening impossible.
Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz is 'sealed up tight' under US control, ordering the Navy to shoot and kill any boats laying mines. The US has been interdicting Iranian oil vessels in the Indian Ocean. Trump claims Iran is fractured with infighting between Hardliners and Moderates, and extended a ceasefire until Tehran submits a unified peace proposal.
President Donald Trump claimed the US has taken full control of the Strait of Hormuz, declaring no vessel can pass without US Navy approval. In posts on Truth Social, Trump ordered the US Navy to 'shoot and kill' any vessels suspected of laying mines, with 'no hesitation' in enforcing the directive. The statements follow reports of Iran's seizure of two ships in the area, as tensions surge across the Gulf over the critical oil shipping route.
