The United States military has boarded a sanctioned vessel carrying Iranian crude oil in the Indian Ocean, the Pentagon confirmed, escalating its naval campaign against Tehran even as President Donald Trump threatened to destroy any boats laying mines in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, the Department of Defense described the operation as a "maritime interdiction" against the M/T Majestic X, marking the latest in a series of interceptions since Washington imposed a blockade on all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports on April 13.
Trump, speaking at a White House event on Thursday, declared the blockade "100 percent effective," asserting that Iran is "getting no business." He also claimed he rejected an Iranian offer to reopen the strait three days ago, saying it would only open once a deal is reached.
On Thursday, Trump escalated tensions further by ordering the US Navy to "shoot and kill" any vessel laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. "There is to be no hesitation," he wrote on Truth Social, adding that US mine sweepers were already clearing the waterway.
The Pentagon downplayed reports that clearing mines could take six months. Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell told the BBC, "A six-month closure is an impossibility and completely unacceptable to the Secretary."
Iran has denounced the US interceptions as "piracy." Meanwhile, Hamidreza Haji Bababei, deputy speaker of the Iranian Parliament, claimed that first revenues from tolls imposed on ships transiting the strait had been deposited with the Central Bank. The BBC could not independently verify that claim.
Despite Trump extending a two-week ceasefire at Pakistan's request, Iran's lead negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said reopening the strait is "not possible" under the blockade and what he called other ceasefire violations.
Earlier this week, Iran's navy seized two cargo ships in the strait, with IRGC-affiliated media claiming responsibility. Greek authorities denied the Epaminondas was seized, saying its captain remained in control. Both vessels have since switched off their transponders.
In a phone interview, Trump said Iran is "dying to make a deal" and that his stance "seems to be working very well." However, Iranian leaders have projected unity. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is "united, more than ever before," while President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed sentiments of "iron unity."
The conflict began when the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel is "waiting for the green light from the US to complete the elimination of the Khamenei dynasty." Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader since 1989, was killed on the first day of the war, and his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen in public since March 8.