WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump warned Monday that the United States would respond with overwhelming military force if Iran attempts to block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. The warning comes as energy prices rise amid escalating tensions tied to the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said Iran would face severe consequences if it interferes with shipping in 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,” Trump wrote, adding that U.S. forces could strike targets that would make it “virtually impossible” for Iran to rebuild.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf to global shipping lanes and is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, roughly 20 percent of global petroleum consumption passed through the strait in 2024.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly restricted vessel movement through the strait following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Shipping traffic has dropped sharply, with only two ships passing through in the past 24 hours compared to the typical 60 daily.
Oil prices have climbed in response, with West Texas Intermediate crude exceeding $86 per barrel. The national average price of gasoline reached $3.47 per gallon Monday, about 50 cents higher than a week ago, according to AAA.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday that shipping traffic could resume within weeks.
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