Trump's Threat to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump issued a strongly worded threat on social media, warning Iran that he would destroy its power plants and bridges if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping by his Tuesday deadline.
He reiterated an earlier warning to unleash "hell" but told US media there was a "good chance" a deal could be reached with Iran.
Iran responded by mocking the ultimatum, describing it as "helpless, nervous and stupid."
Rescue Operation for Downed US Fighter Jet Crew Member
Trump's threat followed the announcement that the second crew member of a US fighter jet shot down over Iran had been rescued in an operation deep inside hostile territory.
Both the US and Iran had been searching for the serviceman in a mountainous area of southwestern Iran. The pilot of the F-15 was recovered shortly after the aircraft was downed on Friday.
Context of the Conflict and Strait Disruption
The incident occurred amid over a month of conflict, with Iran responding to US and Israeli air strikes by attacking Gulf nations allied with those countries.
Iran has also significantly disrupted transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and gas normally passes. This disruption has caused global oil prices to surge and raised concerns about increased inflation worldwide.
In response, Trump announced a series of deadlines in March for Iran to reopen the strait. On Sunday, he reiterated this demand on his Truth Social platform.
Trump's Explicit Warning
The following paragraph contains strong language:
"Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP"
Following this, Trump told Fox News there was a "good chance" a deal would be reached on Monday, but he was considering "blowing everything up and taking over the oil" if no agreement to end the conflict was reached promptly.
Later, the president posted again: "Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!" This appeared to extend the original deadline, which was set to expire on Monday, 6 April.
Trump has postponed deadlines for reopening the Strait of Hormuz multiple times.
Timeline of Deadlines and Threats
On 21 March, Trump initially threatened to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not "FULLY OPEN" within 48 hours.
Two days later, he delayed strikes for another five days, until 28 March, citing "good" and "productive" talks with Iran. Iran denied any contact between its officials and the Trump administration.
As 28 March approached, Trump extended the deadline by 10 days, until 6 April. The new 48-hour deadline has now been extended from this date.
Iran's Response to Trump's Threats
Gen Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi of Iran's central military command condemned Trump's threat as a "helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action," adding that "the gates of hell will open" for the US leader.
Israeli Attacks on Iranian Infrastructure
Meanwhile, Israel has targeted civilian Iranian infrastructure sites. A petrochemical facility was attacked on Saturday, the latest in a series of strikes. Israeli defense officials indicated they were awaiting US approval to strike additional energy facilities next week.
US-Israeli strikes also hit the Qasem Soleimani international airport in southwestern Iran on Sunday.
Iranian Retaliation and Regional Attacks
Iran has continued launching drones and missiles at Israel and US Gulf allies.
A residential building in the Israeli city of Haifa was directly hit by a ballistic missile on Sunday, injuring four people.
Earlier on Sunday, authorities in Abu Dhabi reported battling fires at a Borouge petrochemical facility caused by debris from an Iranian missile.
Kuwait stated that strikes by Iranian drones had severely damaged oil and petrochemical facilities. Industrial and fuel plants were also targeted in Bahrain.
