US President Donald Trump declared a stark red line on Monday, warning that the United States would unleash overwhelming military force if Iran attempted to halt oil shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The warning came as the United States–Israel war against Iran entered its tenth day, sending oil prices and global markets into volatile swings and deepening fears that the conflict could disrupt a major artery of the world’s energy supply.
“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 on social media.
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He added a stark threat of escalation: “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!”
Trump signals both de-escalation and escalation
Despite the harsh warning, Trump also suggested earlier in the day that the Iran war might not last long, sending mixed signals about Washington’s strategy.
“We are putting an end to all of this threat once and for all, and the result will be lower oil prices, oil and gas prices for American families,” Trump said.
Later, speaking to lawmakers at his golf club near Miami, the president described the military campaign in the Middle East as temporary.
“We took a little excursion” to the Middle East “to get rid of some evil. And, I think you will see it is going to be a short-term excursion”, Trump said.
Those remarks briefly calmed markets that had been rattled by fears of prolonged conflict.
Oil markets swing as Strait of Hormuz becomes flashpoint
The war has already disrupted global energy flows. Oil prices surged to nearly $120 per barrel — their highest level since 2022 — before retreating toward $90 as investors weighed the possibility that the conflict might be short-lived.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes, has become a focal point of the confrontation.
Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted oil and gas infrastructure across the region, while tanker traffic through the strait has slowed dramatically amid security threats.
Attacks on merchant vessels near the waterway have killed at least seven mariners, accord