President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Iran on Saturday, threatening military action if the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes — is not fully reopened within 48 hours.
In a post made on social media, Trump said the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iran’s power infrastructure should the strait remain blocked. “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” he wrote.
The ultimatum marks a sharp escalation in the standoff between Washington and Tehran, as tensions rise over control of the strategic passage. Closing or restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz threatens global energy markets, given that roughly one-fifth of internationally traded oil passes through it.
Iran has not yet issued an official response to the president’s latest statement.