U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark 48-hour deadline to Iran on Saturday, warning that the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz without threat.
In a post on Truth Social made moments before widespread coverage began, President Trump wrote: “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! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, has been disrupted amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The president’s ultimatum sets the deadline to expire in the early morning hours of Monday in the Middle East time zone.
President Trump emphasized the need for unrestricted passage through the strait to restore normalcy to global oil and supply chains. Disruptions in the waterway have contributed to significant challenges for energy markets worldwide, including elevated gas prices in the United States, which have been one of the major domestic impacts of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The announcement comes as the Trump administration separately moves to address energy market pressures. Officials are lifting sanctions on Iranian oil currently stranded at sea, issuing a one-month license to allow the sale and delivery of these cargoes. This temporary measure aims to ease frustrations in energy markets and provide relief at the pump for American consumers facing higher costs tied to the regional instability.
President Trump’s post highlights his administration’s focus on ensuring the free flow of oil through the vital passage, underscoring that the United States will take decisive action if the strait is not opened peacefully and fully within the specified timeframe.
The development marks a significant escalation in rhetoric amid the broader Middle East crisis, with the president’s statement drawing immediate attention as a breaking development late Saturday evening in Washington. As of now, no immediate response from Iranian officials has been detailed in connection to this specific ultimatum.
