US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) indicated that American military operations related to Iran would continue, warning that “The Big One Is Coming,” while suggesting the US Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking amid escalating tensions, Trump said the US Navy stood ready to secure the key Gulf shipping corridor, arguing that Washington acted because it believed Tehran was preparing an imminent strike.
“If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible,” Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The conflict has intensified following coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation. The confrontation has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes triggering volatility in global energy markets and wider economic uncertainty.
In addition to potential naval escorts, Trump said he had directed US authorities to provide insurance support for commercial shipping. Following the announcement, US stock markets trimmed earlier losses, although crude oil prices continued their upward climb.
Trump has offered differing explanations for the joint military action with Israel, despite previously campaigning on ending America’s involvement in West Asian conflicts. He has not outlined a clear long-term strategy for the region.
Addressing reporters during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Oval Office, Trump rejected suggestions that Israel pressured Washington into the operation.
“I think they (Iran) were going to attack first. And I didn’t want that to happen,” Mr. Trump said.
“So, if anything, I might have forced Israel’s hand.”
His remarks appeared to contrast with comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated earlier that the US moved after learning Israel intended to carry out strikes.
Fielding public questions for the first time since the strikes began, Trump claimed the joint offensive had severely degraded Iran’s military capacity.
“Just about everything’s been knocked out,” Mr. Trump said, asserting that Iran’s navy, air force and radar systems had been rendered inoperative.
However, the president did not provide a detailed roadmap for Iran’s political future. Referring to leadership changes following the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, he said that “most of the people we had in mind are dead.”
Trump added that the “worst case” scenario would be the emergence of a successor “just as bad” as Khamenei.
As tensions remain high across the Gulf, global markets and regional governments continue to monitor developments closely.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
