Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday to “get smart soon” as his administration reviewed potential military options tied to the ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.
“Iran can’t get their act together. They don’t know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon!” he wrote on social media, alongside an image emphasizing a tougher posture.
According to officials familiar with internal discussions, members of the administration’s national security team presented several options during a recent meeting, including adjusting U.S. troop levels in the region and considering a more aggressive operational stance. No final decision has been announced.
The standoff has significantly disrupted shipping through the strait, where roughly 20 percent of the world’s energy supply typically passes. The slowdown has pushed fuel prices higher, with U.S. gasoline averages climbing above $4 per gallon and global oil benchmarks rising sharply.
Iran’s economy has also come under strain, with its currency falling to record lows amid the prolonged confrontation.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said any agreement with Tehran must prevent it from advancing toward a nuclear weapon, underscoring a central U.S. demand in ongoing negotiations.
“The president will only enter into an agreement that puts U.S. national security first, and he has been clear that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon,” a White House spokesperson said.
The dispute has left the waterway largely restricted for weeks, with only limited vessel traffic reported. U.S. forces have continued patrols and enforcement actions in the area as part of a broader effort to pressure Tehran economically.
President Trump also addressed the situation during a state dinner with King Charles III, reiterating that the United States would not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. Despite the tensions, diplomatic efforts continue, though both sides remain at odds on key issues, including nuclear restrictions and sanctions relief.