U.S. President Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social suggesting possible military action against Iran as tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz. The post comes despite efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire. Iranian officials have warned of severe responses to any aggression.
Trump posted the image late on Saturday showing warships including one with the Iranian flag alongside the phrase “The calm before the storm.” The post followed his return from China where he discussed the Iran issue with President Xi Jinping.
Iran responded with sharp warnings. Armed forces spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi said any new attack would bring “even harsher and more severe blows” to U.S. interests. Defense ministry spokesperson Reza Talaei Nik stated that Iranian forces were “fully prepared to respond to any threat.”
Iranian state television announced new transit procedures requiring ship owners to submit requests through foreign ministries to Iran’s foreign ministry for evaluation by the Revolutionary Guards navy. The strait carries roughly one-fifth of global oil trade.