Donald Trump is again demanding Iran open the Strait of Hormuz, threatening severe consequences if they fail to comply, amid escalating tensions.
Trump Issues New Threat to Iran
Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday, stating that Tuesday would be “Day of the Power Plants and Day of the Bridges,” and demanding the opening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump threatened that if the strait isn’t opened, Iran will “live in hell,” according to a post on his Truth Social account.
48-Hour Ultimatum and Iranian Response
Prior to Sunday’s post, Trump had given Iran 48 hours to reach an agreement or open the Strait of Hormuz, a deadline that passed overnight Monday (2:00 AM Polish time).
Trump’s Heated Rhetoric
“Tuesday will be the Day of the Power Plants and the Day of the Bridges. Something like this has never happened. Open that f***ing strait, you crazy bastards, or you will live in hell,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Iran Warns of Regional Escalation
The Iranian armed forces command warned that further escalation by the U.S. and Israel would engulf the entire region in conflict, Reuters reported Saturday evening.
A spokesperson for the central command stated that the “illusion of defeating the Islamic Republic of Iran has turned into a swamp in which you will sink.”
U.S. and Israeli Strikes, Iranian Retaliation
The threats come after weeks of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran, beginning on February 28, 2026. On Friday, Iranian forces shot down an American F-15 fighter jet.
The U.S. also lost an A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) on Friday.
Trump’s Shifting Signals
Reuters notes that Trump has “sent mixed signals” throughout the conflict, alternating between suggesting diplomatic progress and issuing threats against Tehran.
Past Threats and Diplomatic Retreats
Trump has previously threatened to escalate attacks on Iran if the Strait of Hormuz wasn’t reopened, but later backed down, claiming Tehran was open to a diplomatic solution, according to the Wall Street Journal.