WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Thursday said he had ordered the US Navy “to shoot and kill any boat” that is laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and that US minesweepers were working “at a tripled up level” to clear any mines from the waters.
“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. Additionally, our mine “sweepers” are clearing the Strait right now. I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote in a social post.
Also read: Oil steadies as US-Iran talks stall, Hormuz shipping still disrupted
In another post, US president said Iran was having “a very hard time figuring out who their leader is”.
“Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know! The infighting is between the “Hardliners,” who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the “Moderates,” who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is CRAZY! We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is “Sealed up Tight,” until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.