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Trump Orders Navy to Shoot Mines, Clear 20 in Hormuz

4/24/2026

30 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to shoot and kill any boat laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and to triple mine-clearing.
The Pentagon told Congress at least 20 mines are in the strait and clearing could take six months with drones, robots and helicopters.
U.S. Central Command ordered more than 30 vessels to turn back.

History

Historical Context

In April 1988 the guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts hit a mine during Operation Earnest Will, prompting the U.S. Navy to launch the largest post-World-War II surface strike, Operation Praying Mantis, six days later. The incident forced a costly mine-clearance effort and showed how Iranian mining could compel extensive U.S. naval commitments, a pattern echoed in today’s Strait of Hormuz alerts.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to shoot and kill any boat laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and to triple mine-clearing.
The Pentagon told Congress at least 20 mines are in the strait and clearing could take six months with drones, robots and helicopters.
U.S. Central Command ordered more than 30 vessels to turn back.

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