Donald Trump has said he ordered the United States Navy to “shoot and kill” any Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over the fragile ceasefire between the two countries.

In a social media post on Thursday, Trump said there should be “no hesitation” in targeting any vessel involved in mining the vital shipping route, reports Al Jazeera.

He also announced intensified efforts to clear explosives from the waterway, saying US mine-sweeping operations would continue at a “tripled-up level”.

The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial corridor linking the Gulf to the Indian Ocean, has become a focal point of tensions during the ongoing conflict. Before the war, about 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas shipments passed through the narrow passage.

The escalation comes as both sides continue competing maritime measures. While Washington has maintained a naval blockade targeting Iran-linked vessels, Tehran has also seized foreign ships in the region, accusing them of violating maritime rules.

The US military said it recently intercepted another tanker carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean, adding to a series of similar actions in recent days. Earlier, US forces also seized an Iranian vessel and directed multiple ships to turn back.

Iran, meanwhile, has insisted it will defend itself against any aggression and has made lifting the blockade a key condition for resuming talks with Washington.

Despite a recently extended ceasefire, tensions remain high as the duelling blockades threaten to reignite broader conflict, with no clear timeline set for a lasting agreement.