US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could move to take control of the Strait of Hormuz if Iran targets oil tankers or continues strikes on American and Israeli interests in the region, escalating tensions around one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
Iran responded by declaring it would block all regional oil exports if military attacks persist. Officials said not “even one litre of oil” would be allowed to leave the Middle East should hostilities continue, signalling a hardening stance as the conflict entered its second week.
In an interview with CBS News, Trump said any Iranian attempt to disrupt global oil flows would have severe consequences. He warned that further hostile actions could effectively bring about the end of the Iranian state, adding that Tehran had already exhausted much of its military capacity and should avoid further escalation. He also stated that the strait remained open for now but confirmed he was considering steps to assert control over it.
The Strait of Hormuz, positioned between Iran and Oman, is a strategic maritime passage through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply is transported. Fighting in the region has severely disrupted commercial shipping, tightening energy supplies and pushing crude prices close to $120 per barrel, the highest level in about four years.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry earlier cautioned oil tankers moving through the strait to exercise extreme care. Trump, in previous remarks, had warned that any interference with shipping would trigger a forceful American response, saying Iran would face consequences “twenty times harder” than previous strikes if it attempted to block the route.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reiterated Iran’s position, stating that continued US and Israeli military actions would prompt Tehran to halt oil exports across the region. The group said energy flows to hostile countries and their partners would be stopped until further notice.
A prolonged shutdown of the strait could intensify pressure on global energy markets, raising fuel costs and deepening economic uncertainty worldwide as both sides continue to escalate their rhetoric and military posture.
