Trump Issues Stark Warning to Iran: 48 Hours to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
President Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, declaring that the nation has just 48 hours to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz or face dire consequences.
“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT,” he posted on Truth Social. “Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!”
These remarks follow a recent prime-time address where Trump asserted, “we've beat and completely decimated Iran.”
“They are decimated both militarily and economically and in every other way,” he continued, emphasizing, “Their radar is 100% annihilated. We are unstoppable as a military force.”
The conflict, ignited by coordinated U.S.-Israel strikes on February 28, has resulted in thousands of casualties, disrupted global markets, severed vital shipping routes, and driven fuel prices upward. Pentagon reports indicate that 365 American service members have sustained injuries during operations against Iran.
As the war escalates, Iran retaliates with attacks across the region in response to airstrikes.
On March 21, Trump had threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants, starting with the largest, if they did not “FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS.” Yet, just two days later, he mentioned “very good and productive conversations” with Iranian officials and postponed any military action against power plants for five days.
The deadline was subsequently extended to April 6.
Efforts to mediate between the U.S. and Iran are underway, with officials from Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt facilitating discussions aimed at reaching a compromise to halt hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, indicated on Saturday that his country is open to negotiations.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham commended Trump’s ultimatum, warning that “a massive military operation awaits Iran if they choose poorly.”
“This regime has been severely crippled through Operation Epic Fury. Their reign of terror against the region and the world needs to come to an end, hopefully through a peace deal,” he stated on social media. “If it's not clear to Iran and others by now that President Trump means what he says then I don't know when it will ever be. Choose wisely.”
Trump’s comments coincided with ongoing efforts to locate a missing crew member from an F-15F fighter jet downed by Iran on Friday; one member of the two-person crew was rescued by U.S. forces.
This incident marks the first loss of a U.S. aircraft in Iranian territory during the current conflict.
Additionally, Iranian state media reported that a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed after being struck by Iranian defense forces.
The last recorded instance of a U.S. fighter jet being shot down in combat occurred during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, according to retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, a former F-16 pilot.
