U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran would be unable to rebuild the nation if it blockades the Strait of Hormuz. [Yonhap News Photo Reconstruction] 

U.S. President Donald Trump warned on the 9th (local time) that if Iran blockades the Strait of Hormuz, it would be hit 20 times harder.

President Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social that day, "If Iran takes measures to stop the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, it will face a 20-times stronger blow from the United States than ever before."

He added, "Not only that, but we will eliminate targets that can be hit, making it virtually impossible for Iran to rebuild as a nation," and wrote, "Death, fire, and fury will consume them."

However, he also stated, "I hope and pray that this does not happen," and added, "This is a gift from the United States to all other countries that frequently use the Strait of Hormuz, including China."

President Trump's strong remarks regarding the Strait of Hormuz, which is effectively under blockade, are interpreted as an effort to prevent oil prices, which once exceeded $100 per barrel, from rising again.

Recently, as oil prices have stabilized in the $80 range, the U.S. has been benefiting from President Trump's remarks about an "early end to the war." However, concerns are rising that crude oil prices could increase again if Iran officially takes measures to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil transportation.

The official stance put forth by the Iranian Foreign Minister and others is that "the Strait of Hormuz is not legally blockaded at present, and there are no plans for a blockade."

However, following threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the 2nd to attack vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, merchant ships from most countries, including South Korea, are currently unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Reporter Lim Yo-hee