Washington, USA — United States President Donald Trump warned Iran of severe consequences if they do anything to block the vital oil shipping route known as the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States would respond forcefully if Iran disrupts the flow of oil through the strait.
The president warned that any attempt by Iran to shut down the waterway would trigger a twenty times harder military response from Washington.
He also threatened to strike targets that he said could severely damage Iran’s ability to rebuild.
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and serves as one of the most critical routes for global energy supplies.
International reports say roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply — about 15 million barrels of crude per day — normally passes through the strait.
However, amid the joint US–Israeli military campaign against Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has ‘effectively closed’ the passage and warned vessels not to attempt to cross.
Meanwhile, following the announcement, at least 10 vessels have been attacked since.
This disruption has pushed the global oil prices higher.
According to TIME, oil prices have already climbed to 100 dollars per barrel this week.
Meanwhile other reports say, if the strait remains closed for an extended period, prices could surge to nearly 150 dollars per barrel.
Despite the spike, Trump already downplayed the economic impact of this, saying the higher prices would be temporary and worth it if the conflict ends.
Meanwhile, more than a week now and as the high tension in the Middle East continues, Trump is still persistent about the capabilities of their campaign, expecting the war with Iran to end very soon.
On the other hand, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have said the country could sustain an intense conflict for at least six months.