US President Donald Trump has issued an expletive-laden warning to Iran, threatening to destroy key infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping by a newly extended deadline.
Get today's headlines by email 
The threat was delivered in a strongly worded message posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform as tensions continue to escalate during the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump later suggested diplomacy could still prevail, saying there was a “good chance” that an agreement with Tehran could be reached.
Ultimatum over vital oil route
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, with roughly a fifth of global oil and gas shipments normally passing through the narrow waterway. Iranian actions that have disrupted traffic there have pushed global oil prices sharply higher and raised concerns about rising inflation worldwide.
Trump has repeatedly set deadlines demanding that Iran fully reopen the route.
In his Truth Social post, the US president warned that Iranian infrastructure could be targeted if access to the strait is not restored.
He wrote:
“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.”
Trump later told Fox News that negotiations might still succeed but warned that he was considering major military action if an agreement was not reached quickly.
Iran dismisses warning
Iranian officials rejected the ultimatum, describing it as reckless and irrational.
Mahdi Tabatabaei, a spokesman for the Iranian president’s office, said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen once compensation arrangements were made for damage Iran says it suffered during the conflict.
Tehran has suggested that ships transiting the waterway could be required to pay tolls as part of those compensation efforts.
A senior Iranian commander, Gen Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, criticised Trump’s warning, calling it a “helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action” and warning that “the gates of hell will open” for the US leader if attacks are carried out.
Rescue mission after fighter jet downing
Trump’s remarks came shortly after US forces confirmed the rescue of the second crew member from a Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iran.
According to reports, the rescue operation took place in mountainous terrain in south-western Iran after a firefight in hostile territory. The jet’s pilot had already been recovered shortly after the aircraft was brought down on Friday.
Both Washington and Tehran had launched searches for the missing crew member following the incident.
Regional fighting intensifies
The downing of the fighter jet occurred during more than a month of fighting following US and Israeli air strikes on Iranian targets. Tehran has responded with attacks against Israel and several Gulf countries allied with Washington.
Israel has continued to strike Iranian infrastructure, including a petrochemical facility hit on Saturday. Defence officials say Israel is also awaiting US approval for additional strikes against Iranian energy sites.
US-Israeli strikes also targeted Qasem Soleimani International Airport on Sunday.
Iran has continued firing drones and missiles across the region. In Haifa, a ballistic missile struck a residential building, injuring four people.
Authorities in Abu Dhabi said falling debris from an Iranian missile caused fires at a petrochemical facility. Officials in Kuwait reported severe damage to oil and petrochemical installations from drone strikes, while industrial and fuel plants were also targeted in Bahrain.
Trump has postponed several earlier deadlines demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz while saying negotiations were under way. Iran has denied that direct talks with Washington are taking place.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 6 April 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment