--- title: Trump Vows Unprecedented Response If Iran Disrupts Strait of Hormuz description: The President demanded that the country remove any mines it might have placed in the water or face military action "never seen before." canonical: https://time.com/article/2026/03/10/trump-threatens-iran-death-fire-fury-oil-blockage-strait-of-hormuz/ author: Callum Sutherland article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2026-03-10T13:12:50.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-05-19T07:44:54.686Z article:section: Politics og:title: Trump Vows Unprecedented Response If Iran Disrupts Strait of Hormuz og:description: The President demanded that the country remove any mines it might have placed in the water or face military action "never seen before." og:url: https://time.com/article/2026/03/10/trump-threatens-iran-death-fire-fury-oil-blockage-strait-of-hormuz/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt530847505a23017d/69affec1035c6f08e67a3a08/trump-iran-oil-threat-mar9.jpg?branch=production&width=1024&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1024 og:image:height: 576 og:image:alt: trump-iran-oil-threat-mar9.jpg og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Trump Vows Unprecedented Response If Iran Disrupts Strait of Hormuz twitter:description: The President demanded that the country remove any mines it might have placed in the water or face military action "never seen before." twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt530847505a23017d/69affec1035c6f08e67a3a08/trump-iran-oil-threat-mar9.jpg?branch=production&width=1024&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # Trump Threatens Military Response 'At a Level Never Seen Before' If Iran Deploys Mines in Strait of Hormuz > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: August 2026. ## TIME D.C. Brief: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition D.C. Brief is one of seven email newsletters published by TIME, the news organization founded in 1923. Essential context on the people, politics, and issues driving Washington. D.C. Brief goes beyond the Washington headlines to explain the politics, personalities and power dynamics shaping what happens next. Senior correspondent Philip Elliott brings sharp context to the issues driving the capital, connecting the decisions made in Washington to the institutions, industries and people they affect. 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It explains the politics, personalities and power dynamics behind the headlines, three times a week. #### Where can I get analysis of Washington politics by email? D.C. Brief is TIME's free Washington politics newsletter, available at time.com/newsletters. It is written by a TIME senior correspondent who covers the capital full time. #### Who writes TIME's D.C. Brief? Philip Elliott, a senior correspondent at TIME, writes D.C. Brief. #### Is D.C. Brief free? Yes. D.C. Brief is free at time.com/newsletters. ## Video: How the Iran war is driving up gas prices [Watch (HLS stream): How the Iran war is driving up gas prices](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/eaVtz4gW.m3u8) (1:16)  _Published 2026-03-09. Since the eruption of the Iran war, around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supply is now at risk._ by [Callum Sutherland](https://time.com/author/callum-sutherland/) and [Connor Greene](https://time.com/author/connor-greene/) Mar 10, 2026 1:12 PM UTC by [Callum Sutherland](https://time.com/author/callum-sutherland/) and [Connor Greene](https://time.com/author/connor-greene/) Mar 10, 2026 1:12 PM UTC President Donald Trump threatened Iran with “military consequences” at “a level never seen before” if the country failed to immediately remove any mines it might have deployed in the [Strait of Hormuz](https://time.com/7382242/strait-of-hormuz-closure-threat-iran-war-trade-gas-oil-prices/). In a [post](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116206683370194686) on Truth Social Tuesday afternoon, Trump said that his Administration had “no reports” of Iran having placed mines in the strait––a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman through which around a fifth of global oil production flows––but demanded that if it had, “we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY!” “If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before,” the President continued. “If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!” Trump added that any vessels attempting to place mines in the strait would “be dealt with quickly and violently.” Shortly after his warning, the President [announced](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116206732840510472) in another post that “within the last few hours, we have hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine laying boats and/or ships, with more to follow!” Trump’s warning to Iran followed reports from [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/10/politics/iran-begins-laying-mines-in-strait-of-hormuz) and [CBS](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-mines-strait-of-hormuz/) on Tuesday that Iran had begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. CNN reported, citing people familiar with U.S. intelligence reporting, that a few dozen mines have been laid in recent days and that Iranian forces were potentially capable of laying hundreds. Trump earlier vowed on Monday night that the U.S. would hit Iran “twenty times harder” than it already has if the country did anything to block the flow of oil through the [Strait of Hormuz](https://time.com/7382242/strait-of-hormuz-closure-threat-iran-war-trade-gas-oil-prices/). “We will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back as a nation again,” he [threatened](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116202054617775180). “Death, fire, and fury will reign upon them. But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen.” Trump went on to emphasize the international importance of the Strait, which is often used as a geopolitical bargaining chip. “This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those nations that heavily use the Hormuz,” he continued. “Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared to double down on the President’s threat on Tuesday. “He \[Trump\] takes very seriously the condition of that Strait. We have capabilities that no nation on earth has, and we're certainly working with our energy partners across the Administration,” Hegseth said during a press briefing at the Pentagon early in the day. At an afternoon press conference, Leavitt later vowed that “President Trump will not allow rogue Iranian terrorists to stop the freedom of navigation and the free flow of energy.” Iranian security official Ali Larijani hit back against Trump's warning via [social media](https://x.com/alilarijani%5Fir/status/2031324064199962900) Tuesday morning, saying Iran doesn't fear "empty threats." According to a translation by the Associated Press, Larijani signed off his post with the message: "Be careful not to get eliminated yourself." The war, which is now in its 11th day, has brought movement in the Strait to a standstill as Iran has targeted oil tankers. Shipping costs have soared as a result, with companies forced to find longer, alternative routes. Some insurance providers for oil companies and tankers also dropped war risk protections amid rising uncertainty and fear. With global trade severely disrupted, the prices of oil and liquefied natural gas soared. Early Monday, crude oil prices topped $100 a barrel for the first time since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump previously dismissed concerns over the rising costs, [insisting it's a](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116196014942465383) “small price to pay” for “safety and peace.” But the price of crude oil saw a significant turnaround as global markets opened Tuesday, [falling ](https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/crude-oil)as much as $25 per barrel since Monday’s highs. The plummet came after Trump—just hours before threatening “death, fire, and fury” on Iran—indicated that the war would soon be reaching its end. In a phone interview with CBS, Trump said he thought the war in Iran was "very complete" and claimed Washington was "very far ahead" of its initial four-to five-week estimated timeframe. Insisting that Iran’s military capabilities had been mostly destroyed following repeated strikes from the U.S. and Israel, he added: “If you look, they have nothing left. There's nothing left in a military sense.” However, he somewhat reversed course later in the day when addressing Republican lawmakers at a House policy retreat in Florida, prompting confusion over the actual status of the Iran war. “We’ve already won in many ways, but we haven’t won enough,” said Trump. “We go forward more determined than ever to achieve ultimate victory that will end this long-running danger once and for all.” Trump, last week, called for an “[unconditional surrender](https://time.com/7382878/trump-iran-war-unconditional-surrender-demand/)” from Iran, but the country has firmly rejected such a proposal, and has since announced [Mojtaba Khamenei](https://time.com/7383160/trump-comments-about-new-iran-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei/), the second son of Ali Khamenei who was [killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes](https://time.com/7381859/ali-khamenei-obituary-supreme-leader-iran-dead-86/), as the new Supreme Leader. The selection is a strong indication that the hardline Iranian regime intends to stay the course. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented a defiant stance on Monday, calling the U.S. strikes a “failure” and vowing to fight for "as long as it takes." “Yes, they have attacked many of our facilities. They have attacked our nuclear facilities, but they couldn't destroy our nuclear program because it is technology advanced and developed by ourselves,” he claimed in an [interview](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/irans-araghchi-calls-u-s-strikes-a-failure-and-vows-to-fight-as-long-as-it-takes) with PBS. “So the firings continue. And we are prepared. We are well prepared to continue attacking them with our missiles as long as needed and as long as it takes.” ## Transcript Since the eruption of the Iran war, around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supply is now at risk. Dozens of oil tankers are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf, with no sign of movement to come. Here is what that means for you in 60s following joint US Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28th, retaliatory strikes have since targeted US bases, consulates and civilian infrastructure across the Middle East, widening the conflict. Typically, most of the oil and gas produced in the region is exported on tanker vessels that have to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. But Iran has threatened to target tankers that pass through the strait, and drone strikes have already hit some vessels anchored in the Persian Gulf. Other attacks have also struck oil and gas refineries in the Gulf, bringing production to a halt. The disruption has already increased oil prices by up to $20, with US natural gas prices also up by 11%. This will ultimately mean you paying more at the pump for your gas and likely higher prices in general as transportation and fuel costs rise. Maritime insurers are also increasing their coverage fees for tankers, with experts warning that this could also be passed on to the consumer. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/article/2026/03/10/trump-threatens-iran-death-fire-fury-oil-blockage-strait-of-hormuz/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/article/2026/03/10/trump-threatens-iran-death-fire-fury-oil-blockage-strait-of-hormuz/"},"headline":"Trump Threatens Military Response 'At a Level Never Seen Before' If Iran Deploys Mines in Strait of Hormuz","datePublished":"2026-03-10T13:12:50.000Z","dateModified":"2026-05-19T07:44:54.686Z","description":"The President demanded that the country remove any mines it might have placed in the water or face military action \"never seen before.\"","url":"https://time.com/article/2026/03/10/trump-threatens-iran-death-fire-fury-oil-blockage-strait-of-hormuz/","keywords":["Donald Trump","News Desk"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt530847505a23017d/69affec1035c6f08e67a3a08/trump-iran-oil-threat-mar9.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Callum Sutherland","jobTitle":"Reporter","url":"https://time.com/author/callum-sutherland/"},{"@type":"Person","name":"Connor Greene","jobTitle":"Editorial Fellow","url":"https://time.com/author/connor-greene/"}],"articleSection":"Politics","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt530847505a23017d/69affec1035c6f08e67a3a08/trump-iran-oil-threat-mar9.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"trump-iran-oil-threat-mar9.jpg","caption":"","creditText":"Saul Loeb—Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/politics/","name":"Politics"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/donald-trump/","name":"Donald Trump"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/article/2026/03/10/trump-threatens-iran-death-fire-fury-oil-blockage-strait-of-hormuz/","name":"Trump Threatens Military Response 'At a Level Never Seen Before' If Iran Deploys Mines in Strait of Hormuz"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"How the Iran war is driving up gas prices","description":"Since the eruption of the Iran war, around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supply is now at risk.","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/eaVtz4gW/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2026-03-09T20:46:41.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/eaVtz4gW.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/article/2026/03/10/trump-threatens-iran-death-fire-fury-oil-blockage-strait-of-hormuz/","duration":"PT1M16S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/article/2026/03/10/trump-threatens-iran-death-fire-fury-oil-blockage-strait-of-hormuz/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```