President Donald Trump has issued a clear warning to Iran, stating that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened “one way or the other,” including the possibility of military action if necessary.
Speaking on March 13, Trump urged countries affected by the blockade—including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK—to send ships to protect shipping lanes.
“In the meantime, we will be bombing the shoreline relentlessly and will continue to shoot Iranian boats and ships out of the water,” Trump stated.
“One way or another, we will soon ensure that the Strait of Hormuz is open, safe, and free.”
Trump wrote on his Truth Social on Saturday: “Many countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending war ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the strait open and safe.
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“We have already destroyed 100% of Iran’s military capability, but it’s easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close-range missile somewhere along, or in, this waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are.
“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated.
“In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water.
“One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!”
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint, through which around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. According to the Joint Maritime Information Centre, traffic has plummeted from approximately 138 ships a day to just five.
More than 1,000 cargo vessels have been trapped in the waterway, which is only 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest point and runs along the coast of Iran.
Iran has responded with a firm warning. Kharg Island, located 16 miles off the Iranian coast, handles 90% of the country’s oil exports. Iranian state media has cautioned that any attack on the island will trigger retaliatory strikes against regional oil facilities owned by companies with ties to the U.S. Iranian MP Manouchehr Mottaki added that U.S. troops could face capture if they attempt to seize Iranian territory, implying that Tehran may retaliate against American bases in the region.
This situation arises amid increased tensions in the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, which escalated on February 28. Iranian forces have been conducting drone and missile strikes against shipping and military targets in the Gulf, while the U.S. and allied forces have responded with precision strikes of their own.
Markets are already reacting to this standoff, with oil prices surging above $100 per barrel. This increase raises concerns about global inflation, energy security, and economic instability. Analysts warn that prolonged disruption in the Strait could further strain international supply chains, driving up costs for fuel, transportation, and consumer goods worldwide.
As tensions rise, the region faces a precarious period where any miscalculation or escalation could have significant global consequences, both militarily and economically. While diplomatic efforts are ongoing, the stern warnings from both Washington and Tehran indicate that the crisis is far from being resolved peacefully.
