STAND OFF Trump Threatens to “Blast Iran Into Oblivion” Over Strait of Hormuz Standoff

Trump's Mixed Messages Spark Iran Denial

Donald Trump has thrown down a brutal warning to Iran. On Wednesday morning, the former president claimed Iran’s new leadership is seeking a truce — but also threatened to “blast the Islamic Republic into oblivion” unless the crucial Strait of Hormuz reopens to commercial shipping. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps quickly shot down Trump’s claims as "nonsense," insisting the vital waterway remains “firmly and dominantly under the control of the naval forces.”

Contradictions and Confusion

Trump praised Iran’s “new regime president” as “much less radicalised and far more intelligent” than before. Yet he didn’t say who Washington might be negotiating with — something Iranian officials flatly reject. They described Trump’s threats as “absurd displays” and vowed to resist any pressure. Trump warned the ceasefire depends on the strait being “open, free, and clear,” adding: “Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages.” Confusingly, just a day earlier, Trump hinted he might accept a deal even if Hormuz stays closed, leaving markets uncertain.

Markets Rally Despite Tensions

• The Dow jumped 363 points (0.8%)
• S&P 500 rose 0.6%
• Nasdaq climbed 0.7%
• Brent crude oil prices fell 2% to $102 per barrel after peaking at $118

Investors responded positively despite the conflicting signals, buoyed by hopes the conflict might ease.

Military Buildup and Global Reactions

Behind the rhetoric, the Pentagon is gearing up for possible ground action. The USS Tripoli arrived last Friday with 5,000 sailors and Marines. It will be joined by the USS Boxer and two more warships from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Thousands of 82nd Airborne paratroopers, plus hundreds of Special Forces, are en route. The United Arab Emirates may also send troops to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Trump extended a temporary halt on strikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure to ten days, claiming Tehran requested the pause. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appeared at a Tehran rally, with Araghchi declaring, “This popular cohesion is our greatest defence against any external threat.”

UK and Europe Stay Out of the Fight

European allies are keen to avoid direct conflict. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told Britons, “This is not our war,” but confirmed Britain is leading 35 nations to coordinate maritime security in the strait, a key route for one-fifth of global oil supplies. Coalition talks are scheduled later this week as diplomatic efforts continue to reduce tensions. Meanwhile, Trump plans a 9 pm ET address to blast NATO — even considering pulling the US out of the alliance.

Gas Prices Soar as Conflict Drags On

American petrol prices have surged to $4.10 per gallon nationwide, up from $2.90 before the conflict began, adding fuel to public frustration as geopolitical tensions escalate.