In a stern warning issued from Florida, President Donald Trump stated that any Iranian attempt to disrupt oil shipments in the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a massive U.S. response. Trump vowed to hit the regime “twenty times harder” than previous strikes if the flow of global energy is hindered. The President’s remarks come as maritime traffic through the vital chokepoint has reportedly fallen to its lowest level of the conflict.
Trump characterized the ongoing military actions as a “very complete” success so far, noting that most Iranian missile sites have been destroyed. He explained that the decision to launch Operation Epic Fury was based on intelligence suggesting an Iranian attack was 100% certain within a week. The President argued that the proactive strikes have saved countless lives across the Middle East.
The rise of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader has been met with disdain from the White House. Trump criticized the appointment, labeling the younger Khamenei a “lightweight” and predicting that his rule would be short-lived. Thousands have gathered in Tehran to pledge allegiance to the new leader, setting the stage for continued ideological defiance.
Financial markets have seen wild swings, with oil prices spiking to $119 before retreating on news of Trump’s optimistic outlook. The President suggested that the war could be over “very soon,” which provided a boost to stock indices. However, he warned that “important targets,” including Iran’s electrical grid, remain on the list for future strikes if necessary.
As the war enters its eleventh day, the regional spillover continues with drone attacks reported in Bahrain and the UAE. Trump maintained that the U.S. is “more determined than ever” to achieve a result that ends the “long-running danger” of the regime. The administration continues to monitor the situation while preparing for potential further escalations.