President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, saying the country could face severe military retaliation if it attempts to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.
In a post on Truth Social, the president wrote that American forces would retaliate “twenty times harder” and warned the strikes could “make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back,” adding that “death, fire, and fury will reign upon” the country if it takes action to halt the flow of oil.
The remarks came after an announcement from Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials suggesting that nations expelling U.S. and Israeli diplomats would be granted safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian leaders have also indicated they believe they hold leverage in determining how the conflict ultimately ends.
Trump disputed that claim, suggesting the only sense in which Iran might control the timeline would be “the date of their surrender.”
In his message, Trump wrote:
“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. Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again — Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them. But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen! 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Meanwhile, United States Central Command reported that U.S. forces have struck more than 5,000 targets inside Iran and sunk or damaged over 50 vessels.
Oil futures dropped sharply after rising over the weekend, particularly after Trump said during a Monday press conference that the U.S.–Israeli coalition may be nearing the conclusion of Operation Epic Fury. The president also said he believes the campaign is progressing faster than anticipated, claiming the U.S. is ahead of its projected four-to-five-week timetable to dismantle the Iranian regime.