Trump threatens Iran with 'strong economic blow,' eyes Strait of Hormuz annexation

President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric against Iran on Friday, vowing to impose powerful economic sanctions and suggesting the United States might claim the Strait of Hormuz as its own territory. This comes as efforts to reach a deal ending a six-month conflict between the two nations falter, with Iran indicating it has not yet decided whether to resume negotiations with the U.S.

Trump told Fox News that the U.S. "will hit Iran economically hard." This follows a statement from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that Washington is preparing "unprecedented" measures against Tehran, possibly to be announced as early as next week. Speaking in Garden City, New York, Trump urged Americans to accept a slight increase in gasoline prices, framing the added cost as a necessary price to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

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The United States will hit Iran economically hard.

Trump stated that those paying a "small extra amount for gasoline" should remember it serves to prevent what he called a "very evil country" from obtaining nuclear weapons. He asserted that the U.S. is providing a "great service to the world" through its actions and would not regret confronting Iran. These remarks come amid increasing domestic political and economic pressure, as regional escalation has driven up energy prices, contrary to Trump's campaign promise to lower fuel costs.

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Those who had to pay a small extra amount for gasoline should remember that this comes as part of preventing a very evil country from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Brent crude oil neared $90 a barrel this week, with gasoline prices in the U.S. averaging around $4 per gallon. Trump further escalated his language, announcing he would "very soon" declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory. "After we finish defeating Iran... very soon I will announce the Strait of Hormuz is U.S. territory," he said.

In response, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated Tehran "will not submit to threats or shows of force" from Washington. He asserted that the Strait of Hormuz "will not be opened or closed except by Iran's authority." Gharibabadi, via X, rejected the U.S. threats concerning the strategic waterway, signaling a heightened verbal exchange over control and influence in the strait. Approximately 20% of global oil and LNG shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making any prolonged disruption a direct factor in energy prices and international markets.

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Very soon I will announce the Strait of Hormuz is U.S. territory.

Meanwhile, Iran remains cautious about returning to negotiations with Washington. The Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, Abbas Araghchi, told the Iranian Students' News Agency that Iran has not yet decided to resume talks with the U.S. He clarified that Qatar and Pakistan are mediating and exchanging messages with Iran, but stressed these communications do not constitute negotiations.

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Tehran will not submit to threats or shows of force from Washington.