Trump orders US Navy to shoot, kill Iranian boats

United States President, Donald Trump has directed the United States Navy to “shoot and kill” any Iranian boats found laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump gave the order on Thursday in a post on Truth Social, stating that the order applies to all vessels involved in mine-laying activities, regardless of size.

According to him, US mine-clearing operations are currently underway in the strategic waterway, adding that he has instructed that the efforts be intensified.

“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,” Trump said, while also claiming that Iranian naval ships had been neutralised.

The development comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran over maritime security in the Gulf region.