Trump Orders Attack on Iranian Ships Laying Mines in Strait of Hormuz as Pentagon Warns Crisis Won’t End Soon; Italy Deploys Warships to Clear Mines, Oil Prices Stay High for Months Ahead

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. Military to “shoot and kill” any Iranian vessel attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the critical oil shipping route.

The directive came amid an ongoing U.S.-Iran standoff in the Persian Gulf, with Trump stating there is to be “no hesitation” in enforcing the order. He emphasized that the U.S. Navy has total control over the strait and that no ship can enter or leave without its approval.

Trump also directed U.S. Minesweepers to continue clearing the Strait of Hormuz “at a tripled up level!” to counter Iranian efforts to disrupt maritime traffic. The U.S. Has imposed a retaliatory naval blockade on Iranian ports in the region, aiming to pressure Tehran into negotiations over the waterway’s reopening.

U.S. Central Command reported that it has directed 31 ships to turn around or return to port as part of the blockade enforcement. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil shipments, has been largely choked off to tanker traffic since the conflict began in late February 2026.

The White House has framed the actions as necessary to enforce a ceasefire agreement, which Trump unilaterally extended after its initial expiration date. He insists that Iran must fully reopen the strait as part of any deal, asserting that “America, not Iran, is calling the shots” in the waterway.

Regional allies have begun contributing to mine-clearing efforts, with Italy preparing four warships to assist in clearing mines from the strait, according to reports from Indonesian state news agency Antara. The multinational response underscores international concern over the security of global energy supplies passing through the Hormuz corridor.

Global oil prices remain under pressure due to the persistent threat of supply disruption, with analysts warning that elevated costs could persist for up to six months as long as the strait remains contested or partially blocked.

The situation represents one of the most significant military escalations in the U.S.-Iran confrontation since the renewed hostilities began, with both sides maintaining rigid positions over control of the strategic maritime passage.