Trump Orders Navy To ‘Shoot And Kill’ Boats Planting Mines In Strait Of Hormuz—Amid Months-Long Clearing Process

BreakingBusinessTrump Orders Navy To ‘Shoot And Kill’ Boats Planting Mines In Strait Of Hormuz—Amid Months-Long Clearing ProcessBySara Dorn,Forbes Staff. Sara Dorn is a Forbes news reporter who covers politics.Follow AuthorApr 23, 2026, 09:24am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.ToplinePresident Donald Trump said Thursday he directed the U.S. Navy to “shoot and kill” any boats planting mines in the Strait of Hormuz and speed up the clearing of mines from the key oil passage—a process that could reportedly take six months, prolonging the economic consequences of the war. President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing regarding psychedelics in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Allison Robbert/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)The Washington Post via Getty ImagesKey FactsPentagon officials informed Congress this week of the timeline for voiding the mines, raising the possibility that gas and oil prices could remain high until the strait is fully reopened, The Washington Post reported Wednesday, citing three unnamed officials familiar with the discussions. Trump said on Truth Social Thursday the U.S. Navy is actively clearing mines and he has ordered the operation to “continue, but at a tripled up level!”This is a developing story and will be updated.Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video