Oil back above $110 after expletive-laden Trump threat to Iran
Oil back above $110 after expletive-laden Trump threat to Iran
Following a surge in global oil prices, the market has seen crude oil exceed $110 per barrel. This rebound occurred after US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning against Iran, threatening to target vital infrastructure unless the Strait of Hormuz remains open. On Monday, Brent crude climbed 1.6% to $110.85, while US crude rose 0.8% to $112.40.
Trump’s Strong-Worded Threat
Trump’s latest outburst, posted on social media, included explicit language. He declared the US would strike power plants and bridges in Iran by Tuesday, should the country fail to allow ships through the critical waterway. The message, delivered with intensity, read: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Hours later, Trump reiterated his timeline on the same platform, specifying: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!” He told Fox News that an agreement was likely to be reached on Monday, but hinted at potential escalation if negotiations stalled.
Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
Iran has been targeting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage for global energy trade. The narrow strait, which facilitates a fifth of the world’s oil transport, has seen shipping interrupted as Tehran retaliates against US and Israeli airstrikes since February 28. These attacks have raised fears of inflationary pressures across international markets.
Earlier in the week, oil prices had surpassed $100 per barrel as Trump escalated his threats, warning that upcoming airstrikes could push Iran “back to the Stone Ages.” Despite OPEC+ agreeing to a modest output increase in May—206,000 barrels a day—the adjustment is limited by members unable to raise production due to ongoing tensions.
Iranian Response and Escalation
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps officials warned that attacks on US economic targets would intensify if civilian infrastructure continues to be hit. A senior military officer, Gen Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, dismissed a previous Trump deadline, calling it “helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid.” He added, “the gates of hell will open” for the US leader, reflecting Tehran’s defiant stance.
