U.S. President Donald Trump warned Monday that any Iranian attempt to block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz would provoke a massive American response.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Tehran would face retaliation “twenty times harder” than previous U.S. strikes if it interfered with the vital maritime route.
“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 also warned that the United States could target what he described as “easily destroyable” sites inside Iran, suggesting such strikes could significantly weaken the country’s ability to rebuild its military infrastructure.
“Death, Fire and Fury will reign upon them — But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!” he added.
The U.S. president framed the warning as a measure intended to safeguard global energy supplies and international trade.
He said maintaining open navigation through the Strait of Hormuz would particularly benefit countries heavily dependent on Gulf oil exports, including China.
“This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait,” Trump said. “Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil shipments each day. Any disruption to the narrow waterway could send shockwaves through international energy markets and global trade.