United States President Donald Trump has ordered his navy to shoot any boat found putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, with "no hesitation". The move comes as a second round of talks between the US and Iran is anticipated, with Pakistan attempting to bring both sides to the negotiating table.
Trump's fresh remarks come after the Pentagon informed the US Congress that clearing mines from the key trade waterway, which is effectively closed and is under a naval blockade by the US, could take as much time as six months.
The US President also claimed that Iran is confused about "who their leader is" and that there is "infighting" between "hardliners" and "moderates".
Trump said that the US has "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz and that no ship can enter or leave without their approval, which is also the claim that Iran makes regarding the key trade waterway.
