President Donald Trump has issued one of his starkest warnings yet to Iran, threatening “death, fire, and fury” if the Islamic Republic does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international oil shipments. The Strait—a critical passage for crude exports from Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia—was recently declared “closed” by Tehran, with officials warning that any vessel attempting to pass would face attacks.
The move sent immediate shockwaves through global markets. Crude oil prices surged past $110 a barrel, marking the first time in over three years that energy costs have reached this level. On Truth Social, Trump doubled down, writing that any Iranian interference with the Strait would trigger a U.S. response “TWENTY TIMES HARDER” than anything seen so 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,” Trump added, emphasizing the severity of potential action while also noting, “But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!”
The president framed the escalation as a strategic gift to other global powers dependent on Hormuz, including China, saying the U.S. move should be “greatly appreciated.”
At a press briefing, Trump described the war as “very complete, pretty much,” though he avoided clarifying whether this meant the conflict could end imminently. When pressed about differing statements from military leadership, he replied, “I think you could say both. It’s the beginning of building a new country.” He further suggested that while the U.S. has already achieved successes, “we haven’t won enough” and “we’re going to go further.”
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