Trump says he ordered Navy to "shoot and kill" boats mining Strait of Hormuz

President Trump wrote on Truth Social that he has directed the U.S. Navy to take action against any Iranian boats placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

"I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be (Their naval ships are ALL, 159 of them, at the bottom of the sea!), that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation," he said.

Mr. Trump added that U.S. minesweepers were clearing the strait "right now," and he said those efforts would be ramped up.

"I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level!" he wrote.

U.S. officials said a month ago that Iran had likely placed at least a dozen sea mines in the strait, using small boats that can carry two to three of the devices each.