Trump curses, threatens to hit Iran on Tuesday if Strait of Hormuz remains blocked
US President Donald Trump issued an expletive-laden threat on social media, stating that the United States would target Iran's power plants and bridges on Tuesday if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, escalating international tensions.
Former US President Donald Trump issued a threat to target Iran's oil infrastructure in the Strait of Hormuz during an April 3, 2026 interview on Fox News, warning of "total obliteration" of Iranian oil facilities if Iran does not halt its nuclear program and support for proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis. Trump specifically stated, "If they don't make a deal, we'll take the oil," referring to potential military action against Iran's oil facilities in the strategic waterway that handles approximately 20% of global oil supplies. The threat came amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with Iran reportedly having enriched uranium stockpiles exceeding 90% according to March 2026 IAEA reports.
Philippine news sources including GMA News, ABS-CBN News, Inquirer.net, and Philstar.com have extensively covered the implications of this threat for the Philippines, which imports about 70% of its oil via Middle East routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) has warned of potential fuel price spikes that could reach PHP 80+ per liter if the strait faces disruptions, recalling similar tensions in 2019 when Philippine diesel prices hit PHP 55 per liter. Oil companies like Petron have already warned of possible weekly price hikes in response to market volatility.
Iran's Foreign Ministry responded to Trump's threats as "psychological warfare," with Foreign Minister Araghchi dismissing the rhetoric while maintaining Iran's position on nuclear negotiations. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has previously vowed to destroy any ships attempting passage through the strait if tensions escalate further. Global financial markets reacted negatively to the threat, with Brent crude oil prices rising 3% to $82 per barrel and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 1.2% following Trump's remarks.
Malacañang has called for restraint and de-escalation, with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) monitoring the situation for potential ripple effects in the South China Sea region. Economic analysts predict that closure of the Strait of Hormuz could add $20 per barrel to oil prices, disproportionately affecting Philippine households already facing inflationary pressures. The situation remains tense but no military action has occurred as of early April 2026, with US officials downplaying Trump's statements as campaign rhetoric ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
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