Trump issues expletive-laden threat to Iran over Hormuz Strait blockage

Trump Delivers Harsh Ultimatum to Iran Over Hormuz Closure

Donald Trump, the U.S. president, unleashed a fiery social media statement after the rescue of a second U.S. fighter pilot from Iranian territory. In the post, he warned Iran of potential devastation, promising to dismantle its power plants and bridges if the country did not clear the Strait of Hormuz for unrestricted shipping by Tuesday. The threat echoed earlier rhetoric about unleashing “hell” but included a more measured note, suggesting a “good chance” of a diplomatic resolution.

The urgency of the ultimatum followed the downing of an F-15 jet on Friday, during which both crew members ejected. While the pilot was swiftly recovered, the second serviceman remained stranded in a mountainous area of southwestern Iran. Both nations raced to locate him, highlighting the escalating tension in the region. This incident unfolded amid a month-long conflict, as Iran retaliated against U.S. and Israeli strikes by targeting Gulf allies.

Iran had previously suspended normal traffic through the strategically vital Hormuz Strait, a move that spiked global oil prices and raised concerns about inflation. Trump had first set a deadline in March, and on Sunday, he reinforced the demand via his Truth Social platform. His post featured a profanity-strewn declaration: “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”

“The gates of hell will open for the U.S. leader,” said Gen Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi of Iran’s central military command, dismissing Trump’s warning as “helpless, nervous, and stupid.”

Trump later reiterated the deadline, extending it to Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time, despite its original expiry on Monday, 6 April. Meanwhile, Israel intensified its campaign, striking a civilian Iranian petrochemical facility on Saturday and preparing to target more energy infrastructure next week. The Qasem Soleimani international airport in southwestern Iran was also hit by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Sunday.

Iran’s retaliation continued, with drones and missiles striking Israel and U.S. Gulf allies. A residential building in Haifa suffered a direct missile hit, injuring four people. In Abu Dhabi, fires broke out at a Borouge petrochemical plant due to debris from an Iranian missile. Kuwait reported significant damage to its oil facilities from drone strikes, while Bahrain faced attacks on industrial and fuel plants.