Trump orders military to shoot to kill small Iranian boats

President Donald Trump ordered the US military on Thursday to “shoot to kill” small Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement comes after Iran demonstrated its ability to disrupt traffic in this passage.

Trump posted this message on social media shortly after the US military seized another tanker involved in smuggling Iranian oil, escalating the standoff with Tehran over the strait through which 20% of global crude oil and natural gas transit.

“I have ordered the US Navy to shoot to kill any boat, no matter how small […] that lays mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz,” wrote the US president, adding that US minesweepers “are currently cleaning the strait.”

“I order that this operation continue, but at a triple level!” he added.

Trump also announced the extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon by three weeks.

The decision to extend the truce between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon was made during a meeting at the White House between the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States.

Meanwhile, it was still unclear when, or even if, the US and Iran would meet again in Islamabad, Pakistan, where mediators are trying to bring the countries closer to a diplomatic agreement.

Initial negotiations planned for this week did not take place. Iran insists it will not participate until the US lifts its blockade of Iranian ports and ships. Washington, on the other hand, insists Iran reopen the strait to international traffic before resuming negotiations.

Pope León XIV, back from a trip to Africa, urged the US and Iran to resume talks to end the war.

Context: Tensions between the US and Iran have been escalating, especially in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply.

Fact Check: The content refers to recent developments regarding US-Iran relations and the situation in the Middle East, including military actions and diplomatic efforts.