U.S. President Donald Trump said the war with Iran could be short but warned of severe retaliation if Tehran disrupts oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Is the US Close to Destroying Iran’s Missile Capability as Trump Claims (File Photo)
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the war with Iran may end quickly, but he warned that the conflict could intensify if global oil supplies are disrupted. His remarks came shortly after Iran appointed a new hard-line supreme leader during the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel.
Trump suggested that the military operation in the Middle East may not last long. Speaking to Republican lawmakers at his golf club near Miami, he described the campaign as a limited mission. "We took a little excursion" to the Middle East "to get rid of some evil. And, I think you'll see it's going to be a short-term excursion," Trump said.
However, he also cautioned that the situation could worsen if Iran interferes with global oil shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage through which a large portion of the world’s oil supply is transported.
Oil markets reacted sharply after Iran named Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as the successor to his late father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Prices briefly rose to their highest levels since 2022 as investors interpreted the leadership change as a signal that Iran may take a tougher stance during the conflict. The announcement came about ten days after the United States and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran.
Later in the day, oil prices dropped again and U.S. stock markets recovered as traders grew hopeful that the war might end sooner than expected.
Trump later posted a strong warning on social media regarding any attempt by Iran to block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. He wrote, "If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far. Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again - Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen! This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated."
Iran quickly responded to Trump’s comments. Ali Mohammad Naini said that Iran would decide when the conflict comes to an end. "Iran will determine when the war ends," he said in remarks reported by Iranian state media.
The conflict has already disrupted oil and gas supplies to global markets and pushed fuel prices higher in the United States. Many foreign workers have left key business hubs in the region, while millions of residents have taken shelter as airstrikes hit military bases, government buildings, energy facilities, hotels and even a school.
Trump also spoke by phone with Vladimir Putin about the war and other global issues. According to Yuri Ushakov, Putin suggested possible diplomatic solutions to end the fighting. The proposals were discussed after he held talks with Gulf leaders and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Heavy fighting continued across the region. Loud explosions were heard in Tehran during what was described as the most intense air raid on the city since the war began on February 28.
Meanwhile, Israel said it had launched a “wide-scale wave of strikes” targeting Isfahan, Tehran and areas in southern Iran. The Israeli military reported hitting dozens of sites, including facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, such as its drone headquarters. Iran responded by launching missiles toward Israel. At the same time, the Iran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets from Lebanon into Israel.
Trump said the United States was close to achieving its goal of destroying Iran’s stockpile of ballistic missiles and reducing its ability to manufacture and launch new ones. He also spoke about the possibility of “building a new country,” a remark that hinted at potential U.S. involvement in shaping Iran’s future political structure after the war.
Large crowds gathered in central Tehran and other Iranian cities to show support for Mojtaba Khamenei. Demonstrators waved national flags and shouted slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”
The 56-year-old cleric has kept a low profile since the war began but had long been considered a possible successor to his father. Trump said he was “disappointed” by the decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei and added that he preferred a leader selected from an internal group of candidates.
Mojtaba Khamenei is widely viewed as more hardline than his father. As supreme leader, he holds ultimate authority over Iran’s policies, including the country’s controversial nuclear program.
Although key nuclear facilities were heavily damaged when the United States bombed them during the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June, Iran still possesses highly enriched uranium that is close to weapons-grade levels. Experts say the new leader could decide to pursue nuclear weapons, something his father avoided. Trump said the war began because Iran was developing a new facility to produce nuclear material after an earlier site had been destroyed by U.S. strikes last year.
The conflict has caused major disruptions in global energy markets. Oil prices surged close to $120 per barrel, the highest level since 2022 before dropping back toward $90. Iran’s attacks near the Strait of Hormuz have nearly halted tanker traffic through the route, which carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
According to the International Maritime Organization, attacks on merchant vessels near the strait have killed at least seven sailors.
The conflict has widened across the region. Turkey said NATO air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile that entered its airspace for the second time since the war began. Saudi Arabia condemned a drone attack on its massive Shaybah oil field and warned that Iran would be the “biggest loser” if attacks on Arab states continue.
In the United Arab Emirates, two people were injured after debris from intercepted Iranian missiles fell in Abu Dhabi. Authorities said 15 ballistic missiles and 18 drones were fired toward the country.
Early Tuesday, the UAE also reported a drone strike that damaged its consulate in the Kurdish region of Iraq, although no injuries were reported.
Iran also carried out attacks on Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. In Bahrain’s capital Manama, one person was killed and several others were injured when a residential building was hit.
Officials say the conflict has already resulted in significant loss of life. At least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, 397 in Lebanon, and 11 in Israel.
The United States has also lost seven service members. Trump said he met the families of the fallen soldiers when their remains were returned to Dover over the weekend. He recalled that relatives told him,"Make sure you win, sir."
