US President Trump announces military response to Iranian mine-laying operations

US Navy Intercepts Another Iranian Oil Tanker Amid Tensions with Iran Leadership

The United States Navy has intercepted another tanker carrying Iranian oil, according to a statement from the Pentagon. The incident comes as President Donald Trump has reiterated his stance on Iran’s naval activities in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump stated that he has ordered the US Navy to “shoot and kill” any boat laying mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. He also announced that the military will increase efforts to remove explosives from the strategic waterway. The President made these statements on social media, where he also claimed that the US has “total control over the Strait of Hormuz”.

Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that their country would defend itself in response to any US attack. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a spike in oil prices, putting pressure on Trump at home.

The Pentagon confirmed earlier this week that the US military conducted a “maritime interdiction and right-of-visit” to a tanker carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, the US military seized an Iranian vessel and ordered dozens of others to turn around.

Iran has also captured foreign commercial vessels around the Hormuz Strait, which it claims were in violation of naval regulations. The duelling blockades risk re-igniting the war between the two countries.

The White House stated that Trump is “satisfied” with the siege on Iran. However, there is no evidence to support Trump’s claim that there is infighting within the Iranian leadership.

Source: Al Jazeera