Trump Claims US Has 'Full Control' of Strait of Hormuz, Orders Navy to 'Shoot and Kill' Suspected Mine-Laying Vessels
President escalates rhetoric against Iran, claiming strait is 'sealed up tight' until Iran agrees to deal with Washington
Quick Look
- 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.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, through which approximately 20% of global oil consumption passes. Tensions between the US and Iran have been escalating, with Trump previously suggesting a potential ceasefire while also maintaining military pressure. Iran's reported seizure of two vessels provides the immediate context for Trump's aggressive posture.
President Donald Trump has claimed the United States has taken full control of the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that no vessel can pass through the shipping lane without approval from the US Navy.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged deep internal divisions within Iran's leadership, saying the country is "having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is." He described ongoing friction between "hardliners," whom he said were losing on the battlefield, and "moderates," adding that the infighting was intensifying.
Trump went on to assert that the strait — a critical artery for global oil flows — is now "sealed up tight" by US forces until Iran agrees to strike a deal with Washington.
In a separate post, Trump escalated his rhetoric further, saying he had ordered the US Navy to "shoot and kill" any vessels, including small boats, suspected of laying mines in the waterway. He emphasised there should be "no hesitation" in enforcing the directive and said mine-sweeping operations in the strait were being ramped up to "a tripled up level."
The comments come as tensions surge across the Gulf, with Iranian forces reportedly seizing two ships in the strait, underscoring the vulnerability of a route that typically handles a significant share of global oil shipments.
Uncertainty also persists over a potential ceasefire. Trump had earlier suggested the US could pause military operations while considering an Iranian proposal for talks to end the conflict. However, there has been no confirmation from Tehran on extending any truce, leaving the situation volatile.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Iran will likely issue a formal response rejecting US claims and may conduct additional naval demonstrations
Very likely · Within days
Increased naval presence and potential skirmishes in the Strait of Hormuz
Very likely · Within days
Oil prices will rise significantly if tensions continue escalating
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will Iran respond to Trump's claims and orders?
- Will the shoot-and-kill order lead to actual naval engagements?
- What specific evidence exists of Iranian mine-laying?
- Will Iran agree to negotiations under current US terms?
