U.S. Directs Military to Target Iranian Boats in Strait of Hormuz During Eighth Week of Conflict

By The Associated Press

*Published: 2026-04-24T07:12:57-04:00*

Tensions between the United States and Iran continued in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, on Friday as the conflict entered its eighth week following U.S. and Israeli strikes that began on February 28, including the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

President Donald Trump stated that he had ordered U.S. forces to use lethal force against Iranian small boats operating in the strait. This directive came amid reports of Iranian assaults on shipping and increased mining activity in the area. According to U.S. military statements, Iran has tripled its mine-laying operations in the strait, prompting U.S. minesweeping efforts and the seizure of an Iranian oil tanker.

Iranian officials responded to Trump's order and his comments on internal divisions within Iran's leadership. President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf each posted statements on social media rejecting the characterization of factions such as "hardliners" or "moderates." Pezeshkian and Qalibaf stated, according to reports, “In Iran there are no ‘hardliners’ or ‘moderates.’ We are all Iranians and revolutionaries.”

Authority in Iran remains unclear following Khamenei's death. Civilian officials and military figures have been involved in managing the country during the ongoing conflict.

Trump also announced late Thursday that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend their ceasefire with Hezbollah by three weeks after White House talks. The extension provides a pause in a related regional conflict.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has led to a partial blockade, reducing but not halting exports through the waterway, which typically carries about 20% of the world's traded oil. Shipping disruptions have affected global energy markets, with no resolution in sight.

International observers have commented on potential negotiations. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated in Cyprus on Friday that renewed U.S.-Iran talks focused solely on nuclear issues, without technical experts or coverage of other topics, could result in an agreement weaker than the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the Trump administration withdrew in 2018.

Kallas said such talks, if excluding Iran's missile program, support for proxy groups, and cyber activities in Europe, "could lead to a more dangerous outcome," adding, “There is a possibility we will end up with a more dangerous Iran.”

The Strait of Hormuz conflict follows initial U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, which included Khamenei's killing, and has involved Iranian responses including mine deployments and attacks on vessels. U.S. actions have included minesweeping operations and the tanker seizure to counter threats to navigation.

Uncertainty persists regarding Iran's command structure, with both civilian and military leaders issuing public statements. The partial restrictions in the strait have raised concerns about prolonged effects on global oil supplies.

Trump's order specifies engagement with small Iranian boats, which U.S. officials have described as harassing commercial and military shipping. Iranian state media has reported its naval activities as defensive measures in response to foreign military presence.

The ceasefire extension between Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah represents one diplomatic development amid broader regional instability tied to the Iran conflict.

As military posturing, leadership questions, and economic impacts intersect, the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of the eighth-week war.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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