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US President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges if Tehran does not reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening, according to multiple reports. In an expletive-laden post on his Truth Social platform Sunday, Trump wrote that "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran," adding that there would be "nothing like it" and warning that if the strait was not opened, "you'll be living in Hell."

Trump later set a specific deadline of 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday (midnight GMT Wednesday), extending an earlier deadline that had been set for Monday. This is the latest in a series of ultimatums Trump has issued since the war began, with previous deadlines having been extended amid claims of ongoing negotiations.

Coverage Comparison

The threat has been covered widely across international media, with outlets including the BBC, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, ABC Australia, and others reporting on the president's post and its implications. While most reports focus on the immediate threat, several provide additional context about the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, the rescue of downed US airmen, and the broader regional impact.

Al Jazeera and other outlets have highlighted the potential for the threatened attacks to constitute war crimes, quoting legal experts who say targeting civilian infrastructure would be disproportionate and illegal. The Guardian has also reported on legal concerns, while ABC Australia and Yonhap have focused on the diplomatic and economic dimensions, including the impact on fuel supplies and global oil prices.

Key Claims

  • Trump's threat: According to multiple sources, Trump threatened to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by Tuesday evening. The post included profanity and was made on Truth Social, with a follow-up setting the specific deadline.
  • Iranian response: Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, condemned the threats, saying "our whole region is going to burn because you insist on following Netanyahu's commands," as reported by The Guardian and other outlets. Iran's mission to the United Nations called the threats "clear evidence of intent to commit war crime."
  • Sarcastic embassy posts: Iranian embassies, including in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Bulgaria, have mocked Trump's ultimatum on social media, with one post saying "we've lost the keys" to the strait, according to multiple reports.
  • Rescue operation: Trump's threat came after the rescue of a second US airman whose F-15 was shot down over Iran. Iranian media released images purporting to show destroyed US aircraft, while The New York Times reported that two US transport planes got stuck during the rescue and were destroyed by US forces to prevent capture. The Pentagon has not confirmed these details.
  • Israeli warning: Israel's military warned Iranians on Tuesday to avoid using trains until 21:00 Iran time, citing security reasons, as reported by multiple outlets, suggesting Israeli strikes on infrastructure were imminent.
  • Oil prices: The closure of the strait has contributed to rising oil prices, with Brent crude trading above $110 per barrel, according to reports from The Hindu and other sources.

Perspectives

US Administration

Trump, in public remarks, has said he is "not at all" concerned about committing potential war crimes, arguing that "you know what's a war crime? Having a nuclear weapon." He has also claimed without evidence that Iranian civilians welcome the strikes, saying intercepted communications show them urging "please keep bombing." The administration has framed the threats as a negotiating tactic to force Iran to reopen the strait and end the war.

Iranian Government

Iran has dismissed Trump's threats as "helpless, nervous and stupid," according to BBC reporting. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have warned that attacks on civilian infrastructure would have devastating global consequences and have vowed "much more devastating" retaliation. Iran has also denied engaging in direct negotiations with the US, though it has acknowledged receiving a ceasefire proposal through intermediaries.

International Community

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed alarm at the threats, urging all parties to abide by international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure. Legal experts have said such attacks could constitute war crimes. Meanwhile, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey have been mediating efforts to secure a ceasefire, but a 45-day proposal has been rejected by Iran, which insists on a permanent end to the war.

Regional Neighbors

Gulf states have been on alert as Iran has launched attacks on energy facilities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in response to US-Israeli strikes. The King Fahd Causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain was temporarily closed over fears of attacks. These countries have called for a settlement that guarantees access through the strait and addresses Iran's nuclear program and missile capabilities.

Timeline

The war began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Since then, Trump has issued multiple deadlines for Iran to reopen the strait, each time extending them. On March 21, he gave 48 hours; on March 23, he extended by five days; on March 26, by ten days; and on April 5, he set a new deadline for Tuesday evening. The latest deadline passed with no indication that Iran had complied, and on April 7, Trump announced a two-week ceasefire agreement, pending Iran's reopening of the strait.