Trump threatens Iran with massive response over Strait of Hormuz oil route
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump stated that he will strike Iran twenty times stronger if Tehran tries to stop oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, according to his post on Truth Social.
"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," Trump writes.
He added that besides this, the US will destroy easily accessible targets that would make Iran's recovery practically impossible.
"Death, fire, and fury will reign upon them — but I hope, and pray, that it does not happen," the post reads.
Trump called his warning the US's gift to China and all countries that actively use the Strait of Hormuz. The American president expressed hope that this gesture would be highly appreciated.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy chokepoints, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies pass.
China and a number of other Asian economies depend on supplies of crude oil and natural gas via this waterway, which has been practically closed since the start of the US operation against Iran.
What are the threats of blocking the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran, in response to the US and Israel's operation, has practically blocked the Strait of Hormuz. As of the morning of March 9, vessel traffic through it had decreased by 90%. In addition, on the same day, Brent crude exceeded $115 per barrel.
Against this backdrop, US President Donald Trump suggested that the war against Iran is close to completion, after which oil prices went down.
At the same time, the IRGC issued an ultimatum to European and Arab countries. According to the statement, Iran will allow free passage through the strait, but on the condition that the countries expel the ambassadors of Israel and the US from their territories.
