President Donald Trump has threatened to ramp up attacks on Iran twentyfold if the country obstructs oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, claiming this would be a “gift” for China and other countries that rely on the waterway for energy imports.
“Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again,” he wrote on Truth Social Friday evening local time. “Death, Fire, and Fury will [rain] upon them. But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!”
Newsweek reached out to the White House and China’s Foreign Ministry by email with requests for comment.
Why It Matters
The U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran, which has led to the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior officials, prompted the Islamic Republic to retaliate with missile and drone strikes across the region, including on oil infrastructure in neighboring Gulf states. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps on Tuesday renewed its pledge not to let “one liter of oil” leave the region as long as the American and Israeli attacks continue.
The conflict has sharply disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. More than 200 cargo ships and oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers are reportedly waiting off the coasts of neighboring Gulf states, according to Reuters estimates based on data from MarineTraffic
What To Know
“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far,” Trump wrote.
“This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait,” he added. “Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
It’s unclear what specific Iranian actions Trump would consider to meet that threshold, given that shipping traffic through the strait has already slowed dramatically.
Nearly one-third of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Asian economies are particularly exposed, accounting for more than 45 percent of shipments. An estimated 40 to 50 percent of China’s oil passes through the strait, but the country’s vast strategic reserves provide it with a larger buffer than many of its neighbors.
China has repeatedly called for unfettered tanker transit through the strait, and Chinese officials have held talks with Iran on restoring safe oil passage, according to media reports last week. At the same time, Beijing has stopped short of directly blaming its Iranian ally and maintains the U.S. and Israel violated international law by launching their offensive amid ongoing negotiations with Tehran over a nuclear deal.
What People Are Saying
Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told reporters Tuesday: “The Strait of Hormuz and its nearby waters are important international trade channels for goods and energy, and it is in the common interest of the international community to maintain security and stability in the region. China urges all parties to immediately stop military operations to avoid further escalation of tensions and prevent regional instability from having a greater impact on global economic development.”
What Happens Next
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday that the U.S. Navy was preparing to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as it’s reasonable to do it,” without providing further details. French President Emanuel Macron has also pledged escorts once the fighting eases.
