U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States could take control of the Strait of Hormuz if Iran attempts to disrupt oil shipments or launch new attacks in the Middle East.
Trump made the statement during a phone interview with CBS News as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate. His comments came after global oil prices briefly surged to their highest levels since 2022 amid fears that the conflict could disrupt energy supplies.
Trump Issues Direct Warning to Iran
Trump said the U.S. military has already severely weakened Iran’s military capabilities during recent operations. He claimed Iran’s navy, communications systems, and air force had suffered major losses.
“They’ve shot everything they have to shoot, and they better not try anything cute,” Trump said during the interview. “If they do anything bad, that would be the end of Iran.”
Trump also warned that the United States could seize control of the Strait of Hormuz if Iran blocks shipping in the waterway.
Later, Trump repeated the warning on social media, writing that if Iran interferes with oil shipments, the country would face military retaliation “twenty times harder” than previous strikes.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important oil transit routes in the world. About 20 percent of global oil supply moves through the narrow shipping corridor between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, millions of barrels of oil pass through the strait every day. Any disruption can quickly affect global energy markets.
Recent attacks near the waterway have forced many commercial ships to halt or delay transit. The International Maritime Organization reported that strikes on merchant vessels near the strait have killed at least seven sailors.
Information about global shipping disruptions has been monitored by the International Maritime Organization.
Oil Prices and Markets React
Financial markets reacted quickly to the escalating tensions. Oil prices briefly surged to nearly $120 per barrel, their highest level since 2022.
However, prices later fell toward $90 as investors reacted to Trump’s suggestion that the conflict may be short lived.
“I think the war is very complete, pretty much,” Trump said, suggesting that Iran’s military capabilities have been largely destroyed.
The U.S. military says it has struck more than 5,000 Iranian targets during the first week of operations.
Stock markets also recovered during Monday trading as investors began to hope the conflict may not drag on for months.
Leadership Changes in Iran Add Uncertainty
The situation became more complex after Iran selected Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his late father as the country’s supreme leader.
The leadership transition comes as the war has already damaged major infrastructure across the region. Air strikes and missile attacks have hit military bases, government buildings, and energy facilities.
The conflict has also forced businesses to close and prompted civilians in several cities to seek shelter as fighting continues.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Trump also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the growing conflict. According to Russian officials, Putin suggested possible diplomatic ideas that could help end the fighting.
Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy adviser, said the Russian leader discussed proposals for a political settlement after consulting with Gulf leaders and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
For now, global leaders are watching closely as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten international energy markets and regional stability.