Trump orders Navy to shoot boats laying mines in Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to 'shoot and kill' any small boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with Iran. In a social media post, Trump claimed Iran's navy is entirely destroyed and directed intensified mine-clearing operations. The Pentagon warns that clearing advanced mines could take months, raising energy concerns. The order targets small craft after the retirement of four Avenger-class minesweeper ships, which are being replaced by drone-equipped vessels not yet battle-tested. Analysts note that global anxiety stems from fear among cargo carriers and insurers, as Iran uses the threat of insecurity to pressure the global economy.