Trump Threatens Strikes on Iran as Strait of Hormuz Closure Sparks Energy Crisis

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply after Iran effectively shut down the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz since February 28, amid ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. The move has triggered one of the most significant disruptions in global energy markets in decades.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that if Tehran does not immediately reopen the strait, the United States could launch strikes targeting Iran’s power plants, oil fields, and the strategically important Kharg Island.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump said that although “a lot of progress” had been made, failure to reach a deal quickly—and to reopen the strait to commercial traffic—would result in decisive military action. He stated that key Iranian infrastructure, which the U.S. had so far “intentionally not touched,” could be completely destroyed.

Trump also framed the potential action as retaliation for past attacks, referring to what he described as decades of violence against U.S. personnel.

The conflict, now in its 31st consecutive day, began on February 28 with joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Tehran has since responded with continuous attacks on U.S. military installations in Israel and Gulf countries, intensifying instability across the region.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes—has severely disrupted global energy supplies, leading to heightened volatility in international fuel markets and raising concerns about a broader economic impact worldwide.