Late Monday night U.S. President Donald Trump released a blistering statement reminiscent of his most aggressive rhetoric, making it clear to Iran that interfering with global energy lifelines will trigger an unprecedented American response.
The verbal firestorm ignited after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it would not allow "a single liter of oil" to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the maritime chokepoint for 20% of the world’s oil, as long as attacks on Iran continue. Tehran went a step further, claiming passage would only be granted to ships from countries that expel Israeli and American ambassadors.
Trump didn't mince words in his response on social media: "If Iran does anything to stop the flow of oil, it will suffer a blow 20 times harder than it has suffered so far. Death, fire, and fury will rain upon them" The President framed the U.S. stance as a "gesture" to China and other nations dependent on Gulf oil, aimed at maintaining global market stability.
While the powers trade threats, the ground remains a tinderbox:
- Bahrain: Authorities in Manama reported that a young woman was killed and several others were injured after an Iranian strike hit a residential building in the capital.
- Saudi Arabia: The Ministry of Defense in Riyadh confirmed the successful interception of a ballistic missile and two drones launched toward the Kingdom.
- Northern Israel: Sirens wailed throughout the night in Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee panhandle following barrages from both Lebanon and Iran. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
Despite the mounting tension, Trump projected a sense of cautious optimism regarding the timeline of the war. In a televised address, he stated: "We have already won in many ways, but not enough. We are pushing forward for total victory." When pressed on a timeframe, he estimated the war would end "soon, very soon, but not this week."
Back in Israel, the Home Front Command is taking zero chances. It was announced that schools in northern communities will remain closed at least until the beginning of next week as the threat of rocket and drone fire persists.
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