Trump has intensified his threats over the Strait of Hormuz, ordering the U.S. Navy to "shoot down" any Iranian vessels laying mines in the strait "without hesitation." He also urged U.S. naval mine-clearing vessels operating in the strait to "continue operations, but at triple the intensity." This has further increased pressure on the already tense ceasefire situation. Previously, the Pentagon stated in a report submitted to Congress that clearing all mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months, and it was likely that the task would not be completed until after the end of hostilities. However, a Pentagon spokesperson denied that mine-clearing would take that long, asserting that "it is impossible and completely unacceptable for the Strait of Hormuz to be blocked for six months." Later, Trump claimed that the U.S. had "fully controlled" the strait and declared that it would remain "strictly blockaded" until an agreement with Iran is reached.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863321088753674/
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