Trump Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump warned on Saturday that the United States will destroy Iran’s power plants if Tehran fails to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
Trump posted the threat on his Truth Social platform at 7:44 p.m. Eastern Time (2344 GMT). He stated: “If Iran doesn’t fully open, without threat, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 hours from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first.” This sets a deadline for late Monday.
Trump did not name the largest power plant. However, the warning marks a sharp increase in his language. Previously, he told PBS that he chose not to target power plants in Tehran to avoid long-term harm and trauma to civilians.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared on Friday that Iran will show “zero restraint” if attackers damage its infrastructure.
The Strait of Hormuz has faced major disruptions since early March. This vital waterway carries about 20 million barrels of oil each day, which makes it one of the world’s most important energy routes. The blockages have driven oil prices higher.
The current tensions stem from US-Israeli military strikes on Iran that began on February 28. Those operations have reportedly killed 1,300 people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the time.
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