In a direct message to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. will hit “twenty times harder” if global oil flow is restricted. Trump claimed the war is “very complete” because the Iranian navy and air force have already been decimated. He described the campaign as a “short-term excursion” and promised that the U.S. would not let the world be held “hostage” by energy threats.
The President’s comments follow the naming of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader in Tehran, a move Trump has called a “big mistake.” Trump remains skeptical of the new leader’s ability to maintain control, especially with the U.S. military systematically destroying the regime’s communications. This hardline stance suggests that the U.S. is aiming for a complete collapse of the current power structure.
Trump defended the pre-emptive strikes, stating that an Iranian-led attack on the U.S. was “100% certain” before the coalition acted. He praised the “amazing” achievements of the military, which he says have occurred much faster than anyone predicted. The President’s focus is on a “decisive and final” end to the Iranian threat.
Energy prices have been the most visible indicator of the war’s impact, with oil hitting $119.50 per barrel earlier this week. Trump’s reassurance that the war could end “very soon” provided much-needed relief to global financial markets. He also mentioned that the U.S. is “thinking about taking over” the Strait of Hormuz to ensure permanent security for shipping.
While the President is eager to declare victory, the regional spillover has resulted in hundreds of thousands of displaced persons and over 1,200 deaths. Trump’s “already won” narrative is being balanced against the ongoing need to neutralize missile launchers and drone sites. The coming days will test the President’s ability to wind down the conflict while maintaining regional dominance.
