U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Iran, threatening to target critical infrastructure—including power plants and bridges—if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by his stated deadline.
In a series of strongly worded social media posts on Sunday, Trump said the United States would launch significant strikes as early as Tuesday if Iran continues to block the strategic waterway, a vital route for global oil shipments.
The Strait has remained effectively closed since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, triggering sharp increases in global energy prices.
Trump indicated that diplomatic efforts may still be ongoing, stating that Iran is engaged in negotiations and that a deal could potentially be reached before the deadline. However, Iranian officials have denied any willingness to comply under pressure, instead demanding reparations for damages caused by the ongoing conflict. Tehran has also suggested that future access to the Strait could involve transit fees under a new legal framework.
Iran’s leadership has condemned the U.S. president’s threats, warning of intensified retaliation if civilian infrastructure is targeted. Officials at Iran’s mission to the United Nations described the threats as violations of international law and called on the global community to intervene. Other Iranian officials dismissed Trump’s rhetoric as desperate and inflammatory.
The escalating war has already seen strikes on infrastructure such as bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities, raising concerns among international law experts about potential violations of humanitarian law.
Amid the heightened tensions, Trump also highlighted a high-risk U.S. military rescue operation carried out deep inside Iranian territory. According to U.S. officials, a downed F-15 crew member was successfully extracted after evading capture in mountainous terrain. The operation reportedly involved multiple aircraft and coordination with Israeli forces, who provided intelligence support and paused strikes in the rescue zone.
U.S. lawmakers have offered mixed reactions to Trump’s rhetoric and strategy. Some Republican officials have backed the president’s hardline stance, while Democrats have expressed concern that his language could escalate risks for American service members and further destabilize the region.
The conflict has already resulted in significant casualties, with multiple U.S. service members killed and hundreds wounded across the Middle East. Meanwhile, the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy markets, contributing to rising fuel costs worldwide.