Tensions in the Middle East have intensified as Trump warned Iran that if it tries to close the "Strait of Hormuz," a crucial global energy transit route, the U.S. will launch a massive attack that would leave Iran unable to recover.
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran on Monday, stating that the U.S. would strike Iran "20 times harder" if Tehran attempts to obstruct oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy passage.
Trump said that if Iran moves to close the strait or disrupt shipping, the U.S. would target easily destroyed sites, making it nearly impossible for Iran to rebuild critical infrastructure.
The U.S. leader used forceful language, saying, "Death, fire, and fury will be unleashed upon them," but he also expressed hope and prayer that such a situation would not actually occur.
Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced earlier that day that any Arab or European country expelling Israeli and U.S. ambassadors would be allowed to freely navigate the Strait of Hormuz starting Tuesday.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy chokepoints, with about one-fifth of global crude oil shipments passing through it, making regional tensions directly impact oil prices and the energy security of many nations.
China and several Asian countries heavily depend on crude oil and natural gas transported through this route, and fighting in the region has nearly halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began.
,CNN
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