US President Donald Trump on Thursday (April 23) issued a sharply escalating directive ordering the Navy to use lethal force against any ships suspected of laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical transit hubs.
In his Truth Social post, Trump said he ordered the Navy to “shoot and kill any ship” involved in laying mines, including what he described as “small ships.”
He added that there should be “no hesitation” in responding to such threats.
Trump also claimed that US naval forces were already conducting demining operations in the region and said he had ordered the effort to be expanded “to a triple level”.
The statement comes amid heightened maritime tensions in the region, where naval activity and vessel seizures have increased following recent confrontations involving Iran-aligned forces and Western naval operations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic global energy corridor, a significant part of the world’s oil supplies pass through it. Any disruption of the waterway raised concerns about global energy security and possible military escalation.
Trump’s remarks mark a significant escalation of rhetoric and signal a more aggressive US stance toward suspected maritime threats in the region.
Rising maritime tensions
The US military seized another oil tanker allegedly linked to Iranian oil smuggling, further escalating tensions with Tehran just a day after Iranian paramilitary forces seized control of two vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The Department of Defense has released video footage showing US forces boarding the Guinean-flagged Majestic X tanker during an operation in the Indian Ocean. Officials said the action was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit maritime networks and enforce sanctions targeting Iran’s oil trade.
A Pentagon statement said the US would continue “global maritime enforcement” to detain vessels accused of providing material support to Iran, regardless of location.
Ship tracking data indicated that the Majestic X was sailing between Sri Lanka and Indonesia and was on its way to Zhoushan, China. The vessel was previously named Phonix and was sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in 2024 for alleged Iranian oil smuggling.
Confrontation Escalation
The development comes at a time of heightened maritime tensions in the region. Iran reportedly seized three cargo vessels in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week and captured two of them, a move that further disrupted one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital hub through which nearly 20% of global oil trade flows. Any disruption to the waterway has significant implications for global energy markets.
Since the escalation of hostilities between Iran, Israel and the United States on February 28, more than 30 commercial ships have reportedly been targeted across the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
Disruption and economic impact
Rising tensions, combined with increased insurance costs and security risks, have sharply reduced shipping in the region. The ongoing standoff has effectively disrupted a significant portion of the region’s oil exports, contributing to instability in global energy markets.
Energy prices have soared in the wake of the conflict, raising the cost of fuel, food and other basic commodities worldwide. Governments and market observers have warned that prolonged instability in the region could have lasting economic consequences.
Diplomatic uncertainty
While the ceasefire remains in place, it is strained by ongoing naval confrontations between US-aligned forces and Iran. The talks, which were previously brokered in Islamabad, have stalled, with no clear timetable for resuming talks.
