President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to shoot and kill Iranian small boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. [2] This directive became effective today following a late Thursday announcement. [2] American forces will now triple their mine-clearing activities in the waterway. [2]
The standoff has choked the strait where 20% of the world’s oil passes. [4] Global crude prices are surging as the conflict batters the economy. [4]
The USS George H.W. Bush arrived in the region to enforce a naval blockade of Iranian ports. [6, 9] This vessel marks the third American aircraft carrier currently operating in the area. [6, 9]