President Donald Trump warned Iran Sunday that if it closes the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. will seize control of the waterway. The threat, reported in a single outlet, escalates his rhetoric against Tehran over the strategic chokepoint.
Sunday evening, President Donald Trump escalated his threat over the Strait of Hormuz, vowing that if Iran closes the waterway, the U.S. will seize control of it. The latest statement — reported by a single outlet — adds a concrete operational threat to a day of mounting rhetoric. This is the fourth distinct escalation in Trump's comments today, following earlier warnings that the U.S. 'might have to take it over,' that he would 'blow them up,' and that the U.S. would collect 20% of the oil and impose transit tolls.
As The Zioneer reported earlier today (Sun 16:20 Jerusalem), Trump first told Fox News that the U.S. may need to seize the Strait of Hormuz, calling America the 'guardian angel of the Middle East.' Within the same hour, by 16:20, he added a threat to 'blow them up' and specified that the U.S. would collect 20% of oil and impose transit tolls if no deal is reached within 60 days (as reported by Abu Ali Express). By 16:31, the desk published a further warning that closing the strait would mean Iran 'will not have a country,' and at 17:11, Trump stated he warned Iran against using the strait as blackmail. The newest threat — to seize the waterway — marks the most direct operational language so far, though it remains attributed to a single unnamed outlet.
This week's escalation follows Iran's threat, reported by the desk on Friday (Fri Jun 19, 18:25 Jerusalem), to close the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely unless Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon. As The Zioneer reported on June 11, Trump had earlier outlined plans for a Kharg Island seizure and threatened 'very hard' strikes on Iran. The standoff has deepened as U.S. strikes continue inside Iran.
The new threat's sourcing — a single outlet — leaves the precise context and timing of Trump's statement unconfirmed. It is unclear whether the president made the remark in a formal interview, a social media post, or an offhand comment. The desk has not yet received independent confirmation from the White House or other newsrooms.
7 developments
- DevelopingTrump: Without a deal, US military actions could shut Hormuz for extended period
- StrongTrump warns he may impose Strait of Hormuz tolls if no Iran deal in 60 days
- DevelopingSenator Graham: Stop restraining Israel, US should use military force if Iran does not sign deal immediately
- DevelopingReport: Trump demands immediate, non-phased reopening of Strait of Hormuz and end to naval blockade
Source and signal
- Internal intake