Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran: Reopen Strait of Hormuz or Face Military Action
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Washington, March 22 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has issued a warning that the United States will target Iranian power plants if Iran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. In a message on Truth Social, Trump stated, “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS… the United States of America will strike and destroy their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST.”
Previously, Trump called upon U.S. allies and leading global economies to take initiative in ensuring the security of this crucial shipping route, while dismissing requests for a ceasefire amid the ongoing tensions with Iran.
“The United States does not utilize the Strait, we don’t require it… but Europe, Korea, Japan, and China do… so they’ll have to step up,” he told reporters, emphasizing that it is a collective international obligation.
Trump characterized the act of reopening the strait as “a straightforward military maneuver,” although he recognized that it would necessitate coordination and scale. “It’s relatively safe, but you need extensive support… You need ships, you need volume,” he remarked, pointing out that NATO has “so far lacked the courage” to intervene.
He also urged Indo-Pacific partners like South Korea and Australia to take a more proactive stance, expressing astonishment at their hesitation.
Simultaneously, Trump reiterated that the U.S. military campaign would continue undeterred despite rising global calls for de-escalation. “You don’t call for a ceasefire when you’re actively obliterating the opposition… We’re not considering that,” he stated.
Trump further asserted that Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened, claiming, “They don’t have a navy, they don’t have an air force… they lack anti-aircraft systems… their leadership has been decimated at every level,” implying that the military campaign is approaching its goals.