President Donald Trump has issued a stark new warning on social media. It threatens “Death, Fire, and Fury” if Iran disrupts oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The aggressive rhetoric comes as global oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022.
Donald Trump sends threats to Iran amid war
In a Truth Social post on the evening of March 9, the 79-year-old president vowed overwhelming retaliation against any Iranian action that would impede oil flow through the strategic waterway. “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,” Donald Trump wrote in all capital letters.
The president’s threat extended beyond military action, promising devastating consequences for Iran’s infrastructure. “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 — Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them — But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!”
Furthermore, Trump characterized his warning as “a gift” to China and other nations. They rely heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil imports. “Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated,” he added. Despite the bellicose social media post, Trump had told CBS News earlier Monday that “the war is very complete, pretty much.” He claimed Iran possessed “no navy, no communications, they’ve got no air force.”
Additionally, while speaking later to reporters in Florida, Trump offered mixed signals about Iran war’s duration. “The big risk on that war has been over for three days…The rest is going to be a determination as to my attitude, as well as the people in the Trump administration,” he said in remarks that appeared to contradict his earlier assessment (via CSpan).
The Strait of Hormuz facilitates approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply. Shipping through the crucial waterway has come to a standstill. Especially since hostilities began, driving up pump prices worldwide and affecting industries dependent on fuel.
