U.S. President Donald Trump warned on the 9th (local time) that if Iran blocks the passage of oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. military would strike Iran 20 times harder than ever before.

On Truth Social that day, President Trump stated, “If Iran takes measures to block the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, it will be hit by the United States 20 times harder than until now.”

He went on, “We will eliminate targets that can be easily destroyed to make it virtually impossible for Iran to rebuild as a nation,” adding, “Death, fire, and fury will rule over them.”

He then wrote, “I hope and pray that such a thing does not happen,” adding, “This is a gift from the United States to China and all the other countries that make significant use of the Strait of Hormuz.” He continued, “I hope it becomes a gesture that (each country) greatly appreciates.”

As Iran effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz and oil prices swung sharply, topping $100 per barrel at one point, President Trump declared that “the war will soon be over,” sending a strong warning message to Iran not to obstruct crude shipments. That day, amid the impact of President Trump’s mention of an ‘early end to the war,’ oil prices fell into the $80 range.

The Iranian government has not officially closed the Strait of Hormuz, but after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened on the 2nd to attack ships attempting to pass through the strait, most merchant vessels have been unable to transit it.