Story perspectives

Trump Orders Navy to Shoot Mines, Deploy Carrier in Hormuz

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered Navy to “shoot and kill” boats laying mines and to triple mine-sweeping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps laid more mines, prompting U.S. clearance operations.
U.S. deployed carrier USS George H.W. Bush for mine-countermeasures, with Pentagon estimates that clearance could take six months, Pete Hegseth expressing confidence, and Brent crude rising above $105 per barrel as traffic fell to eight vessels.

History

Historical Context

In April 1988, the guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts hit an Iranian mine while escorting re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers under Operation Earnest Will. The strike prompted the one-day Operation Praying Mantis, the Navy’s largest surface clash since World War II, and led to a $89.5 million repair that returned the ship to service in October 1989.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered Navy to “shoot and kill” boats laying mines and to triple mine-sweeping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps laid more mines, prompting U.S. clearance operations.
U.S. deployed carrier USS George H.W. Bush for mine-countermeasures, with Pentagon estimates that clearance could take six months, Pete Hegseth expressing confidence, and Brent crude rising above $105 per barrel as traffic fell to eight vessels.

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