President Trump directed the US Navy to "shoot and kill" Iranian boats suspected of laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, heightening tensions in the strategic waterway. The order followed Iran's seizure of two container ships and has led to competing blockades with no immediate diplomatic solution, Bloomberg reports. Trump said he is not in a rush to end the war and extended the Israel‑Lebanon ceasefire by three weeks, while Pakistani mediators blamed the US blockade for stalled talks, according to Nikkei.
Trump Orders Navy to 'Shoot and Kill' Iranian Boats, Escalating Hormuz Standoff
US President Donald Trump ordered the Navy to "shoot and kill" Iranian vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that significantly escalates an already tense maritime standoff over the strategic waterway.
According to Bloomberg, the directive followed Iran's seizure of two container ships. Tehran and Washington are now enforcing rival blockades aimed at controlling traffic through the strait, creating what observers describe as an "uneasy standoff" with no clear diplomatic off‑ramp.
Trump indicated he is in no rush to end the broader conflict despite an earlier four‑ to six‑week timeline and subsequently announced a three‑week extension to the Israel‑Lebanon ceasefire that was due to expire Sunday. The ongoing fighting in the region has complicated US‑Iran peace negotiations.
Pakistani mediators, who have been involved in shuttle diplomacy, told Nikkei they believe the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to the collapse of talks. The situation raises concerns about maritime safety, commercial shipping disruptions, and the wider risk of a regional escalation.
Sources: Bloomberg, Nikkei
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