Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz Amidst Escalating Conflict
President Donald Trump has issued Iran with a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or risk their power plants being “hit, and obliterated.” This escalation follows statements from G7 foreign ministers indicating their readiness to take measures to support global energy supply.
G7 Condemnation and Support for Energy Supply
G7 nations condemned Iran’s attacks against civilian and civilian infrastructure in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Iraq, citing UNSC Resolution 2817. They reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and ensuring the stability of energy markets. The G7 similarly stated their readiness to take necessary measures, including potential stockpile releases, to support the global supply of energy, as previously decided by the International Energy Agency on March 11.
Trump’s Threat on Truth Social
President Trump, via his Truth Social platform, stated: “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! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Iran’s Retaliatory Ultimatum
Within an hour of Trump’s threat, Iran responded with its own ultimatum. A spokesperson from Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (KACHQ) warned that if the U.S. Attacks Iranian fuel and energy infrastructure, all U.S. And regional allied energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructures would be targeted.
KACHQ’s Role in Iranian Military Command
KACHQ is Iran’s highest-level military command, responsible for planning and coordinating joint operations between Iran’s armed forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Background to the Conflict
The war between the U.S. And Iran, launched jointly with Israel on February 28, has entered its third week. Reports indicate that over 1,500 Iranians have been killed, according to state media, although 13 U.S. Servicemembers have died, according to the Pentagon. Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been halted due to Iran’s de facto blockade, causing oil prices to surge beyond $100 a barrel and diesel prices to rise above $5 a gallon.
NATO’s Refusal to Assist
President Trump has criticized NATO allies for refusing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, expressing his disappointment and suggesting a potential withdrawal from the alliance. He later claimed the waterway would “open itself” and dismissed its importance to the U.S.