Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz, Threatens Strikes on Power Plants

President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, threatening to strike Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened to traffic. The escalating rhetoric comes amid ongoing tensions following the start of the US-Israel war with Iran in February 2026.

Trump’s Threat and NATO’s Response

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump 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!” Fox News reported.

The president has also expressed frustration with NATO allies, accusing them of lacking the “courage” to assist the U.S. In securing the waterway. He complained about NATO’s refusal to join the U.S. In securing the Strait of Hormuz, calling the decision “disappointing” and bad for the “partnership.” He even floated the idea of withdrawing from the alliance. Associated Press

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global choke point for oil and gas transport supplying roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil, has been significantly limited since early March. Fox News

Iranian Response and Regional Escalation

Iran’s military has responded to Trump’s threat, warning that it will target U.S. “energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure” if its own facilities are attacked. The Guardian reported.

Recent developments include Iranian ballistic missile barrages that wounded approximately 100 people in southern Israel on Saturday, striking the cities of Arad and Dimona. Iran launched two ballistic missiles with a range of 4,000 km at the US-British military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, marking the first use of long-range missiles since the conflict began. The Guardian

Saudi Arabia’s ministry of defence also reported intercepting one of three missiles launched towards Riyadh early Sunday morning, with the other two falling in uninhabited areas. The Guardian

Background and Context

The current crisis follows a period of escalating tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The U.S.-Israeli assault on Iran began on February 28, 2026. The Guardian