Trump Gives Iran 48 Hours to Reopen Strait of Hormuz, Threatens to Attack Iranian Power Plants
U.S. President, Donald Trump on Saturday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping or face the destruction of its energy infrastructure, as Tehran carried out its most devastating attack yet on Israel.
The warning came just a day after Trump suggested he was considering “winding down” military operations following three weeks of escalating conflict.
Despite this, the strategic oil passage remains effectively closed, while additional American Marines have been deployed to the Middle East.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants “starting with the biggest one first” if Tehran failed to fully reopen the strait within 48 hours, setting a deadline of 23:44 GMT on Monday.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that restrictions applied only to vessels from countries involved in attacks against Iran, adding that other ships would be allowed safe passage.
In response to Trump’s threat, Iran’s military warned it would target energy and desalination infrastructure belonging to the U.S. and its regional allies, according to state media.