President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. military on Thursday to “shoot to kill” small Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement came after Iran demonstrated its ability to disrupt traffic in the passage.
Trump made this statement on social media shortly after the U.S. military seized another tanker involved in Iranian oil smuggling, escalating tensions with Tehran over the strait through which 20% of global crude oil and natural gas transit.
“I have ordered the U.S. Navy to shoot to kill any boat, no matter how small, laying mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz,” the U.S. president wrote, adding that U.S. minesweepers were “cleaning up the strait right now.”
“I hereby order this operation to continue, but at a triple level!” he added.
Trump also announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon. The decision to prolong the truce between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon was made at the White House meeting between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States.
Meanwhile, it remained unclear when or even if the U.S. and Iran would meet again in Islamabad, Pakistan, where mediators are trying to facilitate diplomatic negotiations between the two countries.
Initial negotiations scheduled for this week did not take place. Iran insists it will not participate until the U.S. lifts its blockade of Iranian ports and vessels. Washington, on the other hand, insists that Iran reopens the strait to international traffic before resuming negotiations.
Pope Leo XIV, returning from a trip to Africa, urged the U.S. and Iran to resume talks to end the war.
(Short Context: The article highlights a series of recent developments involving the U.S., Iran, and other Middle Eastern countries, including military actions, diplomatic tensions, and international negotiations.)
(Short Fact Check: The article accurately reports on recent statements and actions by President Donald Trump regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as responses from Iranian officials.)
