Trump Threatens Iran Over Oil, As Footballers Defect

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran that any move to block oil shipments through a key global waterway will trigger a massive American military response. The threat targets the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has previously threatened to close this narrow passage, through which about one-fifth of the world's traded oil passes. "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran," President Trump said on social media. He added that any U.S. strike would be "overwhelming" and "twenty times greater" than previous actions. The warning follows rising tensions between the two nations. The U.S. recently sent additional military forces to the region. In a separate development, five Iranian professional football players have sought and received asylum in Australia. The players were in the country for a tournament and did not return to Iran. Their reasons for seeking asylum were not immediately disclosed.