Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJosh MarcusFriday 24 April 2026 06:24 BSTTrump orders navy to immediately ‘shoot and kill’ all Iran’s mine boats in Strait of HormuzA US sailor, en route to the Strait of Hormuz for mine countermeasures, was medically evacuated after being scratched by a monkey during a stopover in Phuket, Thailand.The sailor received medical care and was subsequently transferred to Japan for further treatment, with officials stating there were no operational impacts to the mission.The Strait of Hormuz is currently undergoing mine clearance operations, following mines laid by Iran, a process that could reportedly take up to six months to complete.President Trump stated that US minesweeping vessels are clearing the strait and that the US Navy has orders to "shoot and kill" Iranian small boats involved in laying mines.The ongoing closure of the vital oil-shipping lane has led to a dramatic rise in oil prices and prompted warnings from regulators about a potential global recession.In fullUS sailor heading for the Strait of Hormuz evacuated after monkey attackThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in