Iran has issued a sharp response to US President Donald Trump after he warned of severe consequences if Tehran disrupts global oil shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and criticized the country’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

The escalating exchange comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran as military operations and political rhetoric intensify across the region.

Trump warned that Iran would face devastating retaliation if it attempted to block oil traffic through the narrow waterway, a vital maritime route through which a significant portion of the world’s energy supplies pass.

“Iran needs to understand that if they shut down the Strait of Hormuz, they will face death, fire and fury like they’ve never seen before,” Trump said while speaking about the growing confrontation.

The US President also commented on Iran’s newly elevated Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, expressing strong disapproval of the leadership change.

“I’m not happy with the appointment,” Trump said, adding that he believed the new Iranian leader would struggle to govern peacefully under growing international pressure.

“I don’t believe he’s going to be able to live in peace,” he remarked.

Iranian officials responded swiftly to the statements. Senior political figure Ali Larijani dismissed Trump’s comments as empty threats and warned the US President against escalating rhetoric.

“Iran is not afraid of your empty threats,” Larijani said in a strongly worded response.

“Even those greater than you could not eliminate the Iranian nation. Take care of yourself not to be eliminated,” he added.

The tensions come against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical conflict in the region and continued concerns about security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The strategic waterway, located between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and remains one of the most critical energy transit routes in the world. Any disruption to shipping there could have serious consequences for global oil markets and energy security.

Meanwhile, Washington signalled that military pressure on Iran may increase in the coming days. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that upcoming operations could represent one of the most intense phases of strikes against Iranian targets.

Trump has repeatedly stated that the United States will not tolerate any interference with international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The war of words between the two countries highlights the fragile state of relations between Washington and Tehran and raises fears that further escalation could destabilize an already volatile Middle East.