President Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Iran on Sunday, declaring that bombing campaigns against the country's power infrastructure and bridges will begin Tuesday unless Tehran opens the Strait of Hormuz.
The threat marks an escalation of Trump's 10-day deadline to Iran, which expires Monday. He has previously warned of strikes targeting Iran's energy, water and oil facilities if negotiations fail to produce a deal reopening the critical waterway.
Trump's social media post was characteristically blunt. "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!" he wrote, adding "Open the Fuckin' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell."
Indirect talks between Washington and Tehran have continued over the past ten days, conducted through intermediaries including Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey in hopes of brokering a ceasefire agreement tied to strait access. Those negotiations have stalled without meaningful progress.
Iran has already signaled it will not back down. Tehran has accused Trump of planning war crimes and warned it would respond with comparable attacks on infrastructure across Israel and other Gulf states if struck first.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most economically vital chokepoints, with roughly one-fifth of global oil passing through its waters daily. Any disruption carries immediate implications for energy markets and global supply chains.
Whether Trump will follow through on his threat or use it as negotiating leverage remains unclear. The coming hours will determine if either side steps back from the brink.
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