President Donald Trump was warned before launching military action against Iran that Tehran could try to shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz – a move now helping drive up oil prices and fuel economic fears.
That’s according to a new Wall Street Journal report, which revealed Friday that Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine told Trump in multiple briefings that U.S. officials long believed Iran would deploy mines, drones, and missiles to close the critical shipping lane.
Trump acknowledged the risk, according to people familiar with the internal discussions, but proceeded anyway with what the Journal described as “the most consequential foreign-policy decision of his two presidencies.”
“He told his team that Tehran would likely capitulate before closing the strait – and even if Iran tried, the U.S. military could handle it,” the publication said.
But two weeks into the conflict, Iran has instead targeted cargo ships and blocked tankers, contributing to a surge in oil prices that have stoked economic fears across the U.S.
Administration officials said Trump was confident U.S. forces could deliver a swift victory and had discussed contingency plans such as escorting commercial vessels through the strait.
“With the strait nearly closed, the Pentagon is now concerned that any American warships escorting tankers through the strait would be targets unless the U.S. destroys Iranian vessels and coastal defense weapons, including drones and missiles,” according to the Journal’s report on Friday.
The possibility of the closure of the critical passageway was one of a handful of scenarios Trump’s top general and other advisers outlined for the president in the run-up to the war.
NEW: Gen. Caine briefed Trump several times that an American attack could prompt Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump acknowledged the risk but told his team Tehran would likely capitulate before closing the strait—and if Iran tried, the U.S. military could handle it. pic.twitter.com/NhbLMwNUHA
— Alex Ward (@alexbward) March 14, 2026
