Donald Trump doesn’t play games. And he doesn’t like it when others try to play games with him.
That’s why Trump is furious that Iran just slapped him across the face with this insane threat.
Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Threat Sparks Global Energy Fears
Tensions in the Middle East have surged as Iran considers blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil trade, in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli military actions. The move could send energy prices soaring worldwide, but experts say the U.S., bolstered by President Donald Trump’s energy policies, is poised to weather the storm.
Israel launched strikes on June 13 to cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities, followed by U.S. Operation Midnight Hammer on Saturday, targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities. In response, Iran’s parliament reportedly voted Sunday to close the Strait of Hormuz, a decision awaiting approval from Iran’s Supreme Council, according to Iran’s Press TV. The Strait, a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, carries one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
“The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel is already putting upward pressure on oil and natural gas prices—and that pressure will intensify if the Strait of Hormuz is blocked,” said Trisha Curtis, an economist at the American Energy Institute. “This kind of disruption would send global prices higher and tighten supply chains. Fortunately, the U.S. is well-positioned to respond—our domestic production strength and growing export infrastructure make American oil and natural gas increasingly indispensable to global markets.”
Iran lacks legal authority to halt traffic through the Strait, meaning it would need to rely on force or threats, according to legal scholars. The Strait, bordered by Iran, the UAE, and Oman, spans just 35 to 60 miles at its narrowest. In 2024 and early 2025, tankers transported roughly 20 million barrels of oil daily through this chokepoint, alongside some liquefied natural gas exports, Curtis noted.
Iran has approved the closing of the Strait of Hormuz 22 times. They never have acted.
Will this time be any different?
Do you seriously believe there isn't a plan to deal with Iran in such a case? pic.twitter.com/z4uYW2GY2X
— Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) June 23, 2025
Iran’s threats to close the Strait have intensified in recent weeks. One Iranian lawmaker and a member of the parliament’s National Security Committee warned that Iran could disrupt the West’s oil supply in response to attacks. Maritime agencies and the U.K. Navy have urged ships to steer clear of the Strait amid rising risks.
Energy markets are already jittery, with experts drawing parallels to the Russia-Ukraine war, which triggered global energy price spikes. “Energy markets do not like war—they particularly do not like war in the Middle East,” said Marc Morano, head of Climate Depot. “Even rumors of a blockade could instill fear into energy markets and drive prices up.”
The U.S., however, stands on solid ground as a net exporter of oil and gas. Trump’s pro-energy agenda, which emphasizes expanding domestic production and streamlining infrastructure, has fortified America’s position. “Such a blockage would make U.S. oil and gas exports more important. It underscores the importance of Trump’s agenda—to open Alaska and other areas to energy production, to speed up infrastructure permitting, and to increase exports to our allies,” said Diana Furchtgott-Roth, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment.
Iran’s potential move to close the Strait could backfire, experts warn. “If Iran were to close the Strait it would amount to ‘economic suicide’ as the nation’s economy is reliant on Hormuz,” Vice President JD Vance said Sunday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this, noting Iran’s dependence on the Strait for its own economic survival.
The U.S. has reduced its reliance on Middle Eastern oil, though it still imports some from nations using the Strait. Experts say America has the capacity to dominate global oil production, further insulating it from Iran’s threats. “It is very important for American policymakers to support rather than impede American oil production because America, as a dominant energy producer, will be largely immune to such political crises,” said James Taylor, president of the Heartland Institute.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine explaining how the U.S. hit Iranian nuclear facilities.
He says the strike package, which dropped 14 GBU-57 bunker busters, was not detected or shot at by the Iranian regime.
He says all three sites sustained severe damage. pic.twitter.com/KzJLahybg1
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) June 22, 2025
Taylor added that a disruption in oil markets would likely benefit the U.S. if Iran attempts to destabilize global supplies. “In fact, if America is a dominant oil producer and Iran takes steps to shock the oil markets, America would benefit and Iran’s nefarious plan would backfire,” he said.
Trump’s energy policies have drawn praise for prioritizing U.S. energy independence. By opening new areas for drilling and cutting red tape, his administration has positioned America to lead global markets during crises. The Strait of Hormuz threat only highlights the foresight of this approach, experts say.
Iran’s rhetoric has grown bolder, but its ability to sustain a blockade remains uncertain. Closing the Strait would disrupt its own oil exports, which account for a significant portion of its revenue. The move could alienate allies and provoke a stronger international response.
Energy analysts emphasize that even short-term disruptions could rattle markets. The Strait’s closure would force tankers to take longer, costlier routes, tightening global supply chains. Yet, America’s robust production and export capacity provide a buffer against such shocks.
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