U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran on Sunday, threatening to bomb the country’s power plants and bridges if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by his deadline. The message, posted on Truth Social, used strong and profane language that quickly drew international attention.
In the post, Trump wrote: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F****** Strait, you crazy b*******, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway in the Persian Gulf through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes. Since the U.S. and Israel began military strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026, Iran has effectively blocked most shipping through the strait in retaliation. This closure has disrupted global energy markets and raised oil prices.
Trump first set a 10-day deadline in late March for Iran to reopen the strait or reach a deal. On Sunday, he told reporters he believed negotiations were underway and that a deal might still be possible before the Monday deadline. However, he made clear that failure to act would lead to heavy strikes on Iranian infrastructure starting Tuesday.
Iran’s Response
Iranian officials strongly rejected Trump’s threats and called them dangerous. Iran’s mission to the United Nations said the comments showed an intent to attack civilian infrastructure essential for people’s survival, which could amount to war crimes. They urged the international community to act immediately to prevent such attacks.
A senior Iranian official, Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, stated that the strait would only reopen after Iran receives reparations for damages caused by the war. He suggested this could involve new transit fees for ships passing through the waterway under a “new legal regime.” Tabatabaei dismissed Trump’s language as a sign of desperation.
Iran has repeatedly said it is not seeking to end the war on U.S. terms and has promised to escalate its responses if its infrastructure is hit. Iranian leaders have warned they will target U.S. and allied interests in the region if civilian sites in Iran are attacked.
Broader Context of the Conflict
The current tensions are part of an ongoing war that began when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Both sides have targeted infrastructure, including bridges, universities, and energy facilities. U.S. officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, have spoken of the possibility of sending Iran “back to the Stone Age” if it does not comply.
When asked about the potential harm to Iranian civilians from striking power plants and bridges, Trump told the Wall Street Journal he was not concerned. He claimed Iranians are already “living in hell” and suggested they would want such action.
Trump also mentioned plans to hold a news conference at the White House on Monday. In a separate post, he provided details about a successful U.S. rescue operation for the crew of a downed F-15E fighter jet that was shot down over Iran on Friday.
What’s at Stake
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has created serious economic problems worldwide, affecting energy supplies far beyond the Middle East. Experts warn that further escalation, especially attacks on civilian power and transportation infrastructure, could lead to even greater humanitarian and environmental damage.
As the Monday deadline approaches, many are watching to see whether diplomacy can still prevent a major new round of strikes or whether the conflict will intensify further. Trump has said he will provide more information on the war’s end “pretty soon,” but no clear timeline has been given.
The situation remains tense, with both sides trading threats and the risk of wider regional involvement growing.