Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, threatening to launch strikes on its power infrastructure if the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened within 48 hours.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday evening, Trump said the United States would begin targeting Iran’s power plants—starting with the largest—if Tehran fails to ensure unrestricted maritime passage through the key waterway.
The warning marks a significant shift from Trump’s earlier stance, where he had indicated reluctance to target civilian infrastructure due to potential humanitarian consequences. Analysts see the latest remarks as a sharp escalation in rhetoric amid the ongoing conflict.
Iran swiftly responded to the threat. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi заявил that any attack on the country’s infrastructure would be met with “zero tolerance,” signaling the risk of further military escalation.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass, has remained effectively closed since late February following the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The disruption has already triggered a surge in global energy prices and raised concerns over inflation, with countries scrambling to find alternative supply routes.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military reported that it had destroyed an Iranian weapons stockpile deemed a threat to oil and gas shipping in the region. Washington has also secured support from more than 20 allied nations to restore navigation through the critical maritime corridor.
The situation remains highly volatile, with fears mounting that further escalation could have severe geopolitical and economic consequences worldwide.
