Washington:<Text>

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz is "sealed up tight" as the United States enhances its naval presence in the region. Trump declared that no ships could enter or leave the vital waterway without the U.S. Navy's approval until Iran agrees to a deal to end hostilities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump's statements were made in two social media posts. The U.S. military is intensifying its blockade efforts against Iran, with reports of intercepting another vessel carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean and escorting an Iranian oil tanker. Trump emphasized the United States' control over the Strait of Hormuz and expressed skepticism about the Iranian government's ability to present a unified peace proposal.

Trump cited internal conflicts within Iran's leadership as a barrier to peace talks. He noted a division between the country's hardliners, who have struggled on the battlefield, and moderates, who are gaining some respect but are not truly moderate. In a separate post, Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to "shoot and kill" any vessels laying mines in the strait, highlighting Iran's attempts to assert control over this crucial shipping route.

The president specified that any small boats attempting to place mines would be targeted, as all of Iran's larger naval vessels have been destroyed. Trump also ordered that the current mine-sweeping operations continue and be intensified, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to maintaining security in the Strait of Hormuz.