President Donald Trump's dark warning to Iran on Truth Social late Monday shocked observers.
Trump threatened military retaliation if the country interferes with oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
"If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far," Trump wrote in his post, adding: "Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again — Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them — But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!"
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil trade.
Critics were left aghast at the rhetoric.
Independent journalist Aaron Rupar wrote on X, "Trump is completely flailing. He didn't anticipate the economic blowback and now he's trying to undo the past 10 days and contain the damage."
The popular X account Polly Sigh wrote, "This complete f---ing lunatic really thinks Iran gives a s--- about his stark raving mad social media posts."
Journalist Yashar Ali wrote on X, "A lot going on here including but not limited to Trump threatening to destroy Iran as a nation, not just the regime and giving a gift to China."
Politics teacher Alex Welch chided on Bluesky, "Surely, in the massive debate leading up to the war, someone could have pointed this out. Surely there was enough time and discussion to consider the possibility that just cutting off the head of the snake wouldn't instantly turn Iran into Candyland."
Writer Mark Harris wrote on Bluesky, "The Improv War."
Podcaster Arthur Snell wrote on Bluesky, "So much winning."