Trump Warns Iran Over Strait of Hormuz; Radio Host Cites Historical Warnings

On April 9, 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted statements on his Truth Social platform regarding Iran's reported actions in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, LBC presenter James Hanson commented on these posts during his radio show, referencing historical geopolitical warnings. The developments follow a recent ceasefire agreement in an ongoing conflict.

Statements from Donald Trump

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, Donald Trump made two posts on Truth Social concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

"There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait — They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!"

In a follow-up post, he added:

"Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz. That is not the agreement we have!"

Background on the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a key maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It normally carries approximately one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil and liquid natural gas supply.

According to the provided sources, Iran had effectively closed the strait to shipping shortly after the start of a war involving the country. A two-week ceasefire agreement, reached on the Tuesday prior to the statements, included terms stipulating that Iran should reopen the waterway.

Commentary from LBC Presenter James Hanson

Later on April 9, LBC presenter James Hanson addressed Trump's social media posts during a monologue on his show. A video clip of his commentary was also posted on LBC's Twitter/X account.

Hanson's key points included:

• He stated it was "difficult to believe" or that it "beggars belief" that Trump had not considered the potential consequences of military actions, suggesting that initiating conflict with Iran would logically lead to retaliation.
• He suggested that, from Iran's perspective, charging vessels a fee for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz could be seen as a method to raise revenue to continue fighting.

He referenced warnings reportedly given by Pentagon officials to successive U.S. presidents over approximately half a century. These warnings allegedly advised against launching a war with Iran due to the likelihood that Iran would retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz, an action that would be difficult to reverse.

Hanson clarified that his comments were not a defense of Iran's actions. He noted that the reported closure and fees cause inconvenience and contribute to higher global fuel prices.

Additional Context

The provided sources do not specify the details of the referenced "agreement" mentioned by Trump, nor do they provide independent verification of the reports that Iran was charging fees to tankers. The commentary and social media posts occur within the context of an ongoing conflict and a recently enacted ceasefire.