President Donald Trump has issued an expletive-laden ultimatum to Iran, warning that unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened by Tuesday night, the US will obliterate Iranian power plants and bridges. The threat, posted on his Truth Social website, marks another shift in deadlines and escalates the five-week conflict between the two nations.
Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, responded with a warning that Trump's "reckless moves" would cause the entire region to "burn." He urged the US to respect Iranian rights and end what he called a "dangerous game." The exchange comes amid rising oil prices, with Brent crude climbing above $110 a barrel.
Trump's post read: "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!" He later specified a deadline of 8:00 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday.
The threat drew criticism from Democratic Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, who described Trump's language as that of an "unhinged madman." International law experts have warned that targeting civilian infrastructure without lawful justification could constitute war crimes under the Geneva conventions.
Meanwhile, US commandos rescued a second crew member of a downed F-15E fighter in south-west Iran, ending a two-day search. Iran distributed images of aircraft wreckage but did not deny the rescue. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Iran wants a deal, though Tehran insists it has not entered peace talks.
