Trump Escalates Threats Over Hormuz Shipping Route
News Desk
Washington: Rising tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran have sparked fears of a new global energy crisis, as oil prices surge and shipping disruptions threaten one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
According to international reports, global crude oil prices have climbed sharply after tensions escalated in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea passage through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes every day.
Experts warn that the situation could trigger one of the largest oil supply shocks in history. Nearly 20 million barrels of oil per day, roughly a fifth of global supply, are believed to be affected due to disruptions in shipping and rising security risks in the region.
The crisis deepened after attacks on Iranian oil facilities and increasing military tensions in the Gulf. Regional producers including the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have reportedly scaled back production amid growing instability.
The International Monetary Fund warned that maritime oil shipments in the region have dropped dramatically, with some estimates suggesting that seaborne shipping activity has declined by nearly 90 percent in recent days after damage to major oil and gas infrastructure disrupted energy supplies.
Energy analysts say the disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could continue to put pressure on global oil markets.
According to economists at the ANZ Group, around one-fifth of the world’s crude oil trade moves through the narrow waterway, making it a critical artery for global energy security, particularly for Asian economies.
Amid the escalating crisis, G7 countries are considering releasing emergency oil reserves in an attempt to stabilize markets and prevent further economic disruption.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran, saying the United States could take control of the Strait of Hormuz if Tehran attempts to block oil shipments or launch further attacks on American or Israeli interests in the Middle East.
In a television interview, Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened, stating that US forces had struck more than 5,000 Iranian targets within a week, damaging its naval, air and drone systems.
He warned that any further attacks on US or Israeli bases in the region would provoke a response “20 times stronger” from Washington.
Trump also urged oil tanker crews to continue sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, saying they should “show courage” and that there was “nothing to fear.”
His remarks drew criticism from some commentators, who argued that the call placed commercial crews at significant risk amid ongoing drone and missile attacks targeting ships in the region.
Recent Iranian drone and missile strikes have already disrupted commercial shipping and reportedly killed at least seven people in attacks on several vessels operating near the strategic waterway.
Despite the tensions, Trump insisted that the passage is reopening and that ships have begun transiting the route again.
Security analysts warn, however, that unless the confrontation between Washington and Tehran eases, the crisis could extend beyond energy markets and trigger wider global consequences, including rising inflation, disrupted supply chains and economic instability worldwide.
