New Delhi: In a sharp escalation of tensions in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran, threatening to destroy its power plants and bridges starting Tuesday if the Strait of Hormuz is not immediately reopened for international shipping.
Trump posted on Truth Social on Easter Sunday, declaring, “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!” He added that Iran must make a deal before it is too late, warning there would be “nothing left of what still could become a great country.”
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, is critical for global energy security as it handles nearly 20-30 per cent of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments. Iran is believed to have blocked the route in retaliation amid ongoing conflict, prompting Trump’s ultimatum. Earlier, he had given Tehran a 10-day deadline to open the strait or reach an agreement, which expired without success despite mediation efforts by countries like Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey.
The US President’s remarks come days after American and Israeli forces reportedly struck and destroyed the B1 Bridge in Karaj city, Iran — a massive 1,050-metre-long structure that cost around $400 million (nearly ₹3,380 crore). Trump shared visuals of the collapsing bridge and warned of further targeting of electricity, water, and oil infrastructure.
Iran has rejected the threats, terming any such attacks a “war crime” and vowing strong retaliation against Israel and US allies in the Gulf region.
As the 48-hour deadline approaches, the situation has raised serious concerns over possible wider conflict and disruption to global oil supplies. Diplomatic channels appear strained, leaving the world watching closely whether talks resume or military action follows.