President Trump Gives ‘Shoot to Kill’ Order on Iranian Minelayers in Strait

The A-10 Warthogs Have Entered the Chat. In the wake of Iran’s refusal to negotiate over its highly enriched uranium and its continued attacks on commercial shipping, Donald Trump has decided to redefine the ceasefire on the US-Israeli side as well. Trump accused the IRGC of laying more mines in the Strait of Hormuz, where the US Navy had already begun minesweeping operations (Hot Air).

President Trump: 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 (Truth).

Hegseth:

Our commanders have clear rules of engagement: If Iran is putting mines in the water or otherwise threatening American commercial shipping or American forces, we will shoot to destroy. pic.twitter.com/AxhE1mX5iG

— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 24, 2026

USS George HW Bush Aircraft Carrier Arrives in Middle East; Three Carriers Now in Region

This is the first time in this conflict that we’ve had three carriers in the region. Wall Street Journal: Three U.S. aircraft carriers and their accompanying warships are now sailing in the waters of the Middle East, giving President Trump additional warships to enforce his blockade of Iranian ports and more firepower should he decide to resume strikes on Iran. • The USS George H.W. Bush arrived in the Indian Ocean after traveling around the southern tip of Africa to reach the Middle East, according to U.S. Central Command. The carrier and several guided-missile destroyers that travel with it will bolster U.S. efforts to crack down on Iran-linked ships…. The last time the U.S. had three aircraft carriers in the Central Command area of responsibility was in 2003 when the U.S. amassed a naval force to launch Operation Iraqi Freedom, a U.S. official said. The arrival of a third carrier strike group comes as the U.S. expands its efforts to go after ships supporting the Iranian regime. In addition to enforcing its blockade, the U.S. has begun boarding sanctioned and dark fleet oil tankers carrying Iranian oil (Wall Street Journal).