Trump warns Iranian officials: ‘You won’t make it back’ if Strait of Hormuz is closed
WASHINGTON,DC: President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric toward Iran on Sunday, June 21, revealing details of a private warning he claims to have delivered to Iranian officials amid rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, the president said he made it clear that any attempt by Tehran to shut down the strategically vital waterway would trigger a forceful American response, while also floating the idea of the United States taking direct control of the shipping route if necessary.
President Trump spoke with the Iranians overnight warning them not to close the Strait.
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) June 21, 2026
"You close it and you won't have a country," Trump said he told Iranian officials. "You won't even make it back to your fu*king country."
Trump’s issues toughest warning amid US-Iran talks
According to Yingst, who spoke with Trump for more than 20 minutes, the president said he personally warned Iranian officials overnight against interfering with traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Trump claimed he told Iranian representatives that closing the strait would have devastating consequences for the Islamic Republic.
“You close it and you won’t have a country,” Trump reportedly said. He added that Iranian officials “won’t even make it back” to their own country if such a move were attempted.
President Trump told me the United States could become the "Guardian Angel" of the Strait of Hormuz and take 20% of the oil.
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) June 21, 2026
"We may take over the Strait, if we have to," President Trump told Fox News. "I'll blow the sh*t out of them."
"If they don't make a deal, we'll collect…
The remarks mark one of Trump’s strongest public threats since the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding intended to halt broader regional hostilities and open the door for long-term negotiations.
But while the agreement temporarily reduced tensions, disputes surrounding Lebanon, Hezbollah and maritime security have continued to test the fragile arrangement.
Trump also suggested that Washington could take an even larger role in securing the waterway.
“We may take over the Strait, if we have to,” he reportedly told Fox News.
"You close it and you won't have a country." President Trump said he told Iranian officials about the Strait of Hormuz. "You won't even make it back to your fu*king country."
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) June 21, 2026
"We may take over the Strait, if we have to," Trump said. "If they don't make a deal, we'll collect… pic.twitter.com/cErvdjCJmK
Trump claims 'US will collect tolls' from Hormuz
The president went further by reviving an idea he has repeatedly referenced in recent days that countries benefiting from American protection in the region should compensate the United States for keeping vital trade routes open.
“If they don’t make a deal, we’ll collect tolls,” Trump said.
One of the most striking parts of Trump’s comments was his suggestion that the United States could become what he called the “Guardian Angel” of the Strait of Hormuz.
The president argued that American military power has effectively guaranteed freedom of navigation in the region and hinted that Washington could seek compensation for that role if diplomatic efforts collapse.
Trump reportedly suggested the US could claim a share of the oil moving through the waterway, saying America might take “20 percent” as part of a future arrangement.
