President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Navy to destroy any vessel laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, declaring such boats “will be shot and killed.” The order follows his announcement of extending a two-week ceasefire that was set to end after Pakistan attempted to persuade Iran to negotiate an end to hostilities. The effectiveness of this diplomatic effort remains uncertain.
Trump reposted on social media a statement by Marc Thiessen, who argued that the Iranian regime must be compelled to reach a peace deal and that officials resisting such agreements should be eliminated. In separate posts, Trump claimed Iran is experiencing severe internal divisions between hardliners and moderates, asserting U.S. forces have “sealed” the Strait of Hormuz under complete control. He stated: “No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the U.S. Navy.”
U.S. Central Command reported that 29 vessels were directed to turn around or return to port as part of a naval blockade against Iran, dismissing claims that commercial ships evaded the measure. Iranian-flagged tankers are currently anchored in Chah Bahar after being intercepted by U.S. forces. Trump also claimed the blockade has caused Iran to lose $500 million daily and announced a three-to-five-day extension of the ceasefire pending an Iranian proposal. He warned military action would resume if no agreement is reached within this timeframe.
Reports claiming Iran’s Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf resigned from diplomatic negotiations were labeled “ridiculous” by an Iranian journalist, who confirmed the claims were false.
