Trump dragging US into hell, Iran warns

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's threats over the Strait of Hormuz closure, warning that his war-driven policies are worsening life for ordinary Americans. In an expletive-laden post on Truth Social, Trump warned Iran would be "living in hell" unless the vital waterway reopened by Tuesday 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, repeating his threat to bomb Iran's power plants and bridges.

Qalibaf responded on X hours later, urging Trump to end what he called a "dangerous game." "Your reckless moves are dragging the United States into a living HELL for every single family, and our whole region is going to burn because you insist on following Netanyahu's commands," the Iranian official wrote, referring to the Israeli prime minister. He added, "Make no mistake: You won't gain anything through war crimes."

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to "enemy ships" after the U.S. and Israel initiated their air campaign on February 28. Tehran later announced navigation rule changes, keeping the strait inaccessible to the U.S. and Israel for an extended period. This waterway normally handles 20-25% of global oil shipments and about 20% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade.

Disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict are driving up energy prices, including in the U.S., where the average gasoline price has risen to $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022. Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's envoy to international organizations in Vienna, noted that Washington fails to understand Tehran would only accept agreements based on "reasonable compromises," not ultimatums.