Trump Threatens Escalation If Iran Blocks Oil Shipments
9 hours ago
President Donald Trump warned Monday that the U.S. would escalate military action against Iran if the country continues to block oil shipments from the Middle East, saying, “They'll get hit at a much, much harder level.”
Trump’s comments came amid volatile global oil markets, with prices soaring and plunging on news of Iran’s stance. The president claimed that U.S. strikes had already caused significant damage to Iran’s air force and navy. He specifically warned that any continued disruption of the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for one-fifth of global oil — would be met with overwhelming force.
“We have a lot of Navy ships there. We have the best equipment in the world inspecting for mines… we will hit them so hard that it will not be possible for them or anybody else helping them to ever recover that section of the world,” Trump said.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded, saying they would prevent “one liter of oil” from leaving the region if U.S. and Israeli attacks persist. State media in Tehran showed thousands rallying in support of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ali Khamenei, signaling strong backing from Iran’s security forces.
While some Iranians welcomed the new leader, Trump expressed disappointment, saying the decision would likely perpetuate ongoing issues in the country.
Israel has stated its war aim is to overthrow Iran’s clerical system, vowing to target any successor to Khamenei unless Iran changes its policies. U.S. officials say the goal is to dismantle Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, but Trump added that the conflict would only end with a compliant Iranian government.
Trump’s comments came amid volatile global oil markets, with prices soaring and plunging on news of Iran’s stance. The president claimed that U.S. strikes had already caused significant damage to Iran’s air force and navy. He specifically warned that any continued disruption of the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for one-fifth of global oil — would be met with overwhelming force.
“We have a lot of Navy ships there. We have the best equipment in the world inspecting for mines… we will hit them so hard that it will not be possible for them or anybody else helping them to ever recover that section of the world,” Trump said.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded, saying they would prevent “one liter of oil” from leaving the region if U.S. and Israeli attacks persist. State media in Tehran showed thousands rallying in support of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ali Khamenei, signaling strong backing from Iran’s security forces.
While some Iranians welcomed the new leader, Trump expressed disappointment, saying the decision would likely perpetuate ongoing issues in the country.
Israel has stated its war aim is to overthrow Iran’s clerical system, vowing to target any successor to Khamenei unless Iran changes its policies. U.S. officials say the goal is to dismantle Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, but Trump added that the conflict would only end with a compliant Iranian government.
