US President Trump orders Navy to target Iranian mine-laying boats in Strait of Hormuz
via Egypt Today1 min read
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, April 23, 2026, that he has directed the navy to "shoot and kill" any boats involved in laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. This directive comes amid heightened tensions with Iran over the critical waterway. Trump also stated that US minesweeping operations in the strait would be intensified "at a tripled up level" to ensure the security of the vital shipping route. He emphasized that there would be "no hesitation" in targeting mine-laying vessels, asserting that Iran’s naval fleet was already "at the bottom of the sea." This action occurs as Washington pressures Tehran to fully reopen the strait, which is a key global shipping route for approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply. The US has implemented a naval blockade on Iranian ports to compel Iran to reach an agreement with the US to end the war, while Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ gunboats have been firing at vehicles in the strait.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Egypt has officially adopted the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards FMVSS, a move intended to expand automotive trade with the United States and increase access to American-made vehicles and parts. The announcement was made during a visit by U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis Steven Haines to General Motors' production facility in 6th of October City. He was joined by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Robert Silverman, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid, Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem, and General Motors Egypt General Manager Rohan Fernandes. Haines stated that this decision creates a clear pathway for increased U.S. vehicle and auto parts exports to Egypt, building on over $256 million in U.S. automotive exports to Egypt last year. The U.S. Embassy indicated that adopting these standards will streamline imports of U.S. vehicles and components, enhance competition in Egypt's automotive market, and offer consumers greater access to American-made vehicles and spare parts. General Motors welcomed the development, noting it provides greater regulatory certainty and has already facilitated the return of the Cadillac brand to the Egyptian market. This agreement is also expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties by supporting U.S. automotive exports and creating new opportunities for Egyptian businesses and consumers.
Egypt has strongly condemned recent threats targeting Saudi Arabia, rejecting any escalation that could jeopardize the Kingdom's security or regional stability. In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced these threats as irresponsible actions that undermine regional stability, endanger international trade, and threaten maritime navigation in vital waterways. The ministry stated that these actions violate international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Egypt reaffirmed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council member states, expressing complete support for measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The statement also emphasized the importance of prioritizing political and diplomatic solutions while adhering to international legal frameworks to achieve de-escalation and maintain long-term peace in the region.
Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty, met with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, in Abu Dhabi. The ministers praised the strong Egyptian-Emirati relations, guided by the directives of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation. They condemned Iranian attacks on Arab states, with Abdelatty expressing Egypt's solidarity with the UAE and GCC countries, calling for an immediate halt to escalatory actions. Both officials emphasized the importance of preserving freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and rejected efforts to restrict transit through international waterways. The meeting also included discussions on regional developments in Sudan, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon, with an agreement to maintain close coordination for regional security and peace.