Topics: Donald Trump, Iran, Impeachment, News, World News, US News, Israel, Social Media, Twitter
Critics are calling for Donald Trump to be impeached after the US president made more controversial threats to Iran.
We're now in the twelfth day of conflict in the Middle East, after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, killing the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on 28 February.
Since then, counterstrikes have gone back and forth, and a number of other neighbouring Gulf countries and allies have been pulled into the conflict.
One issue that is consistently arising is the Strait of Hormuz - a strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman - making it one of the world's most important shipping routes.
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Trump issued a terrifying warning to Iran after reports emerged that the country had begun laying mines there, saying on Truth Social on Tuesday (10 March) that if the country stopped the flow of oil in the Strait of Hormuz, America would 'make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back'.
As per The Independent, the strait has been a flashpoint since the conflict began, as Iran threatened to set any ship that tried to pass through on fire.
Hitting out, Trump wrote on social media: "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.
"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!"
He concluded: "This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Later, the Republican leader added: "If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY!
"If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before. If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!
"Additionally, we are using the same Technology and Missile capabilities deployed against Drug Traffickers to permanently eliminate any boat or ship attempting to mine the Hormuz Strait. They will be dealt with quickly and violently. BEWARE!"
The threats have sparked backlash online, with some worried social media users accusing the US President of 'war crimes' and calling for him to be 'impeached'.
One X user demanded: "He needs to be impeached. He’s terribly unstable, reckless, and compromised by a foreign government. It’s time. Preferably before he hits the big red button."
While a second questioned: "What grabs your attention first, the threat of war crimes or the ‘reign’ spelling?"
And a third asked: "So we will commit war crimes in Iran as a gesture of goodwill to China? Seriously, how does any person with decency support this person anymore?
"Look what he is doing. Listen to his insanity. Even if you share his hatred, shouldn’t his incompetence and selfishness warn you off?"
Quoting Trump's warning, someone else said: "'Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them. Impossible for Iran to ever be built back'. The President of the USA is openly threatening to destroy an entire country. It’s the language of war crimes."
Another chimed in with: "Threatening war crimes, way to put the evidence right out there."
And someone else agreed: "If Trump continues down this path of abusing his power & authority, there is a very good chance he will be impeached."
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, issued a stark warning of his own to Trump, following the strong comments.
As reported by Metro, the senior official said in a statement: "The Ashura-loving nation of Iran does not fear your paper threats. Even those greater than you could not eliminate the Iranian nation. Watch out for yourself - lest you be eliminated!”
He later added: "Strait of Hormuz will either be a Strait of peace and prosperity for all or will be a Strait of defeat and suffering for warmongers."
Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, wrote on social media: "We are definitely not looking for a ceasefire. We believe that the aggressor should be punched in the mouth so that he learns a lesson, so that he will never think of attacking our beloved Iran again."
Tyla has contacted the White House for comment.
