Iran's Parliament Speaker Responds to Trump's Strait of Hormuz Blockade Threat

In a sharp response to President Trump's blockade warning for the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, used a mathematical equation to highlight potential gas price hikes. He cautioned Americans to enjoy current fuel prices, suggesting they may soon face much higher costs. Trump's announcement of a blockade on vessels has raised concerns, but US Central Command later clarified that the blockade would only affect ships linked to Iranian ports. This article delves into the implications of these statements and the ongoing tensions in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 13, 2026, 09:47 IST

Iran's Reaction to US Blockade Announcement

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament, ridiculed President Donald Trump's warning about blocking maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz by using a mathematical formula. Ghalibaf seemed to caution the US regarding potential increases in fuel prices that could follow such a blockade. He shared a graphic showing current gas prices near the White House, suggesting that Americans would soon long for these rates. He tweeted, "Enjoy the current pump figures. With the so-called 'blockade', Soon you'll be nostalgic for $4–$5 gas. ΔO_BSOH>0 ⇒ f(f(O))>f(O)." Users on X (formerly Twitter) quickly noted that the equation implies a possible exponential rise in oil prices, rather than a straightforward increase.

Ghalibaf's comments followed Trump's announcement of a blockade on vessels entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz. After a lengthy negotiation between US and Iranian representatives concluded without a resolution, Trump declared, "Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz." He further stated that the US Navy would intercept any ship in international waters that had paid Iran a toll for passage through the strait, asserting, "No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas." Trump also warned that any Iranian who attacked US or peaceful vessels would face severe consequences, stating the military was "LOCKED AND LOADED" to dismantle Iran's military capabilities.

However, US Central Command later clarified the situation, indicating that the blockade would specifically target ships traveling to or from Iranian ports, rather than all vessels in the strait as Trump had indicated. Ships with no ties to Iranian ports would still have the right to navigate freely through the waterway. CENTCOM also specified that the blockade would commence at 10 a.m. ET on Monday, April 13, which differed from Trump's immediate implementation claim. The issue of tolls, a notable aspect of Trump's announcement, was not mentioned in CENTCOM's statement.