Trump threatens Iran with strike “twenty times harder” over Hormuz

President Donald Trump on March 9 threatened to deliver a strike “twenty times stronger” against Iran if it attempts to halt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Caliber.Az, the warning was issued in a post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social.

"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. 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! This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he wrote.

The economies of China and other Asian countries rely heavily on shipments of crude oil and natural gas transported through the strategic waterway, which has been largely closed since the start of the war.

Earlier on Monday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that any Arab or European country that expels Israeli and US ambassadors from its territory would be granted the right to unhindered passage through the Strait of Hormuz starting Tuesday, March 10.

By Tamilla Hasanova