Strait of Hormuz tensions rise after Trump threatens stronger US response
March 10, 2026: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a fresh warning on Tuesday, stating it would not allow “one litre of oil” to be exported from the Middle East if military operations by the United States and Israel continue. The threat comes after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could take control of the Strait of Hormuz if Iran attempts to disrupt global oil shipments or targets American and Israeli assets in the region.
The strategic waterway has become a major flashpoint in the escalating Middle East conflict, now entering its second week. In an interview with CBS News, Trump cautioned Tehran against interfering with global oil flows, saying the United States would respond much more forcefully if Iran tried to block the passage. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, carries nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, making it one of the most critical energy transit routes globally.
Amid rising tensions, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has warned oil tankers travelling through the strait to exercise extreme caution. Commercial shipping in the area has reportedly slowed significantly due to security concerns, pushing global crude prices higher. Trump also reiterated on his platform Truth Social that any Iranian attempt to halt oil flow through the strait would trigger a response “twenty times harder” from the United States.