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President Donald Trump wrote on social media Thursday morning that he ordered the U.S. Navy to stop any boat placing underwater mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The major route for international trade has become a focal point of the U.S. war with Iran. The military will shoot to kill boats of any size laying mines there, the president wrote.
Trump announced those orders while repeating his earlier statement that Iran’s naval ships all lay at the bottom of the sea. He also ordered that the military triple its mine-clearing efforts to ensure the critical waterway is able to be used.
The president issued another statement less than an hour later, claiming that America had full control of the strait and that Iran was struggling with infighting. The strait is sealed tight until Iran makes a deal, and no vessels can traverse without U.S. consent, Trump said. The U.S. military seized an Iranian cargo ship on Monday for allegedly violating the blockade, which came about a week after the U.S. military mounted its blockade.
Any news on negotiations? The previously scheduled meeting appeared to be indefinitely placed on hold, with Vice President J.D. Vance canceling his trip to Pakistan on Tuesday. At the same time, Trump indefinitely extended a two-week ceasefire with Iran hours before it was set to expire.