Trump issues 'shoot and kill' order against Iranian small boats in Strait of Hormuz

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to "shoot and kill" small Iranian boats deploying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating U.S. military actions amid ongoing tensions with Iran over control of the strategic waterway.
• The U.S. seized the oil tanker Majestic X in the Indian Ocean for allegedly smuggling Iranian crude oil in violation of sanctions, following Iran’s Revolutionary Guard attacks on cargo ships in the strait that heightened concerns about maritime security.
• Iran’s judiciary praised its armed forces’ actions in the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump claimed internal leadership disputes in Iran are complicating diplomatic efforts and maintaining a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports despite a ceasefire extension.
• Lebanon and Israel prepared for a second round of U.S.-mediated talks to extend a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah, amid ongoing accusations from both sides of violating the truce after recent attacks in southern Lebanon.
• The conflict and resulting instability in the Strait of Hormuz have severely disrupted global shipping and oil exports, driving up gas prices and raising concerns about long-term economic impacts worldwide.