US2 min(s) read
Published 15:46 13 Apr 2026 GMT
Donald Trump has issued an alarming warning to Iran, unveiling a military escalation plan that could dramatically worsen tensions in the ongoing war and potentially undermine global oil markets.
The comments come just days after a fragile two-week ceasefire was reportedly agreed between the United States and Iran, temporarily pausing hostilities in an effort to prevent a wider regional war. However, that stoppage now appears increasingly fragile following Trump’s latest message.
In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump said negotiations had made progress overall, but collapsed on what he called the most important issue. “The meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not,” he wrote.
He then announced immediate action involving the United States Navy, claiming the force would begin restricting maritime access to the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most pivotal shipping routes for oil and energy supplies, an area that was closed off for several weeks by Iran.
“Effective immediately, the United States Navy… will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” he stated.
Trump framed the move as retaliation for what he called Iranian “extortion,” writing: “THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION, and Leaders of Countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted.” He also said vessels that have “paid a toll to Iran” would be targeted in international waters, adding: “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.”
The post escalated further with direct military threats. “Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!” he warned, while claiming Iran’s military capabilities had already been heavily degraded, stating: “Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft and Radar are useless… all because of their Nuclear ambition.”
He added that the blockade would begin shortly and could involve other countries, saying Iran would not be allowed to profit from what he described as illegal activity.
The president closed with a stark warning of readiness for further escalation: “Additionally… we are fully ‘LOCKED AND LOADED,’ and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran!”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically important waterways in the world, with a significant portion of global oil shipments passing through it, meaning any sustained delay could have immediate and severe consequences for the world economy.
