Trump Says He Ordered Sinking of Any Vessel Laying Mines in Hormuz, Vows to Keep Strait Under Control

President Donald Trump said he had ordered the US military to sink any vessel laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Writing on Truth Social on April 23, Trump said he had instructed the US Navy to "immediately sink and kill" any ship placing mines in the strait, "no matter how small the boat." He said there would be "no hesitation" and added that all 159 Iranian naval vessels were already "at the bottom of the sea."

Trump also said US minesweepers were clearing the strait "at this very moment." He said the work would continue and that he had ordered the operation's intensity to be tripled.

He also stressed his determination to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the US had "complete control" of the waterway and that no ship could enter or leave without approval from the US Navy. He added that the strait would remain "completely blocked" until Iran was ready to negotiate.