Trump Threatens to Strike Iran in Strait of Hormuz, World Oil Prices Surge

United States President Donald Trump has affirmed his country’s readiness to launch aggressive strikes against Iran following the renewed outbreak of fighting in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite issuing harsh threats, Trump stated that he remains open to diplomacy to avoid a long-term war in the strategic region. Tensions in the world’s key shipping lane were triggered by Iranian military action against commercial vessels. Tehran’s move was a response to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in an attack involving the US and Israel at the end of February. Iran is now insisting on controlling the strait by charging transit fees and threatening ships that refuse these terms. “We will hit them hard. They violate the agreement every day,” Trump said. Nevertheless, he believes the conflict will not be prolonged. “Whatever happens will be over very quickly. We are not looking for a long-term war,” he added. Physical confrontation escalated sharply after Iran attacked three commercial ships. The US retaliated with a massive strike on Tuesday (7/7/2026) local time. This attack prompted a counter-response from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which rained missiles and drones on US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Amidst civilian anxiety, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint from both sides. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Qatar are continuing de-escalation efforts through intensive communication with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, assessed that Trump’s harsh rhetoric is part of a negotiation strategy. He argued that both sides are currently using military force to strengthen their bargaining positions while negotiating the details of an ambiguous memorandum of understanding.