U.S. President Donald Trump has issued another ultimatum to Iran regarding the Ormuz Strait, adding to a series of conflicting statements that make his policy and intentions increasingly difficult to follow. Like previous ultimatums, this one was posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.
In his latest message, Trump warned, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, all in one, in Iran. Nothing like it ever. Open the damn strait, you crazy bastards, or you will live in hell.”
Previous Ultimatums:
- March 21: Trump demanded Iran fully open the strait within 48 hours or risk U.S. attacks on multiple Iranian power plants. Iranian officials stated the strait is open to all except enemies and warned attacks on civilian infrastructure would be considered attacks on the Iranian people.
- On March 23, Trump claimed that productive talks had taken place and ordered the Pentagon to delay any strikes on energy infrastructure by five days. Iran denied that negotiations were happening.
- March 26: The deadline was postponed to April 6 at 8 PM ET, citing Iranian requests to pause actions against power plants.
- March 30: Trump announced progress in negotiations but threatened widespread attacks on power plants, oil wells, and desalination facilities if the strait was not opened immediately.
- April 1: Trump said Iran requested a ceasefire, which Iranian officials dismissed as false. He said any ceasefire would only be considered once the strait is “open, free, and clear,” adding Iran would otherwise be “thrown into oblivion, or back to the Stone Age.”
- April 4: Two days before the postponed deadline, Trump warned time was running out, 48 hours before the situation could collapse, following contradictory statements criticizing allies and claiming the strait would naturally open.
Trump’s repeated ultimatums, alternating between threats and negotiation promises, highlight the unpredictability of his approach toward Iran. Experts warn that targeting civilian infrastructure could violate international law and potentially be seen as war crimes. The contradictions also create uncertainty for U.S. allies and the international community.
The Ormuz Strait, a critical international shipping route, remains a major point of tension between the U.S. and Iran.
