Washington, March 22 (NationPress) President of the United States, Donald Trump, has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening to strike and destroy the country's power facilities within 48 hours unless it reopens the Strait of Hormuz. He made these statements while noting that the US is nearing its military goals in the ongoing conflict.

In a series of messages, Trump delivered an explicit ultimatum regarding the crucial maritime route, stating: "If Iran does not COMPLETELY REOPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS… the United States of America will target and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE LARGEST ONE FIRST!"

This warning signifies a significant escalation related to the Strait of Hormuz, an essential global energy corridor, even as Trump indicated that US military operations might be approaching a conclusion.

"We are nearing the achievement of our objectives as we look to scale back our extensive military engagements in the Middle East," he mentioned.

Trump detailed five principal objectives of the campaign, which include completely dismantling Iranian missile capabilities, launch sites, and all associated resources, as well as destroying Iran’s defense industrial base.

He stated that the US has also aimed to weaken Iran’s military might, which encompasses eliminating their navy and air force, including anti-aircraft systems.

Trump stressed that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities remains a core focus of US strategy.

"Never allowing Iran to approach nuclear capability and consistently being prepared for a swift and forceful US response," he asserted.

Additionally, he reiterated Washington's commitment to protecting its Middle Eastern allies, such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others.

Simultaneously, Trump suggested that the responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz should fall on other nations.

"The Strait of Hormuz must be safeguarded and monitored, as necessary, by other countries that utilize it — The United States does not!" he stated, adding that the US would provide assistance "if requested."

In a follow-up message, Trump claimed significant success in the campaign, declaring: "The United States has effectively removed Iran from the map… Their leadership is gone, their navy and air force are incapacitated, they have no defense, and they seek to negotiate. I do not!"

He also brushed off criticisms from segments of the US media, asserting that he achieved his goals "weeks ahead of schedule."

These comments underline a dual strategy from Washington — showcasing battlefield victories while maintaining pressure on Tehran, particularly regarding maritime access and nuclear limitations.