President Trump issues a drastic order for the US Navy to 'shoot and kill' Iranian boats mining the Strait of Hormuz, tripling minesweeping efforts, as the Navy Secretary departs. This escalates tensions amid an uncertain ceasefire with Iran, which has seized ships and faces a US blockade in the critical waterway.
The article details the ousting of the Navy Secretary amidst escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with President Trump issuing a direct order to the US Navy to 'shoot and kill any boat' dropping mines in the Strait of Hormuz and to triple minesweeping operations. This comes as the status of a two-week-old ceasefire remains unclear, with Trump stating he is under no pressure for a diplomatic resolution and indefinitely calling off attacks without peace talks restarting. Iran has accused the US of 'flagrant' ceasefire violations and 'hypocritical rhetoric,' seizing two ships in the Strait of Hormuz and claiming control over access to the strait, contradicting US Central Command. The US, in turn, claims total control, saying no ship can enter or leave without US Navy approval. The economic fallout from the conflict is highlighted as a major threat to foreign aid, with Gulf nations potentially reprioritizing. Pentagon officials estimate it could take up to six months to clear all mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade artery. Internationally, Italy is ready to deploy up to four vessels, including two minesweepers, as part of a multinational effort, with Britain and France also confident in making progress to secure the strait. The wider conflict includes a parallel war in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes killed five people, and Iran insists maintaining the Lebanon ceasefire is a precondition for broader peace talks.
