Trump says the US will respond with overwhelming force if Iran disrupts oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route used by major economies.
A satellite view of the Strait of Hormuz | Reuters/ANI
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that any move to block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a severe American military response.
The warning comes at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia following the recent US-Israel confrontation with Iran. Washington says the narrow sea passage, which is one of the world’s most important energy routes, must remain open for global trade.
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In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump said the United States would react with overwhelming force if Iran interfered with oil traffic through the strategic waterway.
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“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America twenty times harder than they have been hit thus far,” he wrote.
Trump suggested that potential US strikes would target what he described as “easily destroyable” locations inside Iran. Such action, he said, could severely damage the country’s ability to rebuild.
“Death, Fire and Fury will reign upon them — But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!” he added.
The US President said keeping the shipping route open benefits many countries that depend on energy supplies moving through the strait. He specifically mentioned China, which imports large volumes of oil that pass through the channel.
“This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated,” Trump wrote.
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Even as he issued the warning, Trump suggested that the ongoing confrontation with Iran may be nearing its conclusion.
In an interview with CBS News, he claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened during the conflict.
“They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no air force. Their missiles are down to a scatter. Their drones are being blown up all over the place, including their manufacturing of drones,” Trump said.
He also indicated that the US operation had progressed faster than initially expected. Earlier estimates suggested the campaign could take four to five weeks, but Trump said developments had moved much quicker.
Despite those claims, Iran has rejected the suggestion that the conflict is nearing an end. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it would be Tehran, not Washington, that decides when the war concludes.
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