48 Hours, 5 Days, Then Another Warning: Trump’s Ultimatums To Iran Over Hormuz

Last Updated:April 06, 2026, 06:27 IST

Trump sets new Tuesday deadline to reopen Strait of Hormuz, threatens strikes on Iranian power and energy sites, Tehran vows retaliation, oil prices double to 115 since January

The war entered its 33rd day with a sharp rise in West Asia tensions, as US President Donald Trump stepped up threats and Tehran responded with defiance, pushing the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz to a tipping point.

Trump issues fresh ultimatum

On Sunday, Trump again warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for nearly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas. He said the United States would target Iran’s energy infrastructure if the strait remained closed.

In a Truth Social post, he wrote, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!" He followed it with a direct warning, setting “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time" as the deadline.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran’s power plants, which provide electricity to millions of civilians, including schools, hospitals and homes. Such attacks on civilian infrastructure are generally considered violations of international humanitarian law and, in some cases, war crimes.

Timeline of deadlines

March 21: Trump said the US would “obliterate" Iran’s power plants if the strait was not fully opened within 48 hours. Iran’s envoy Ali Mousavi said the strait was open to all except Iran’s enemies, warning of retaliation if infrastructure was hit.

March 23: Trump said talks with Iran were “productive" and delayed strikes by five days. Iran denied any negotiations.

March 26: Amid falling stock markets, Trump pushed the deadline to April 6, saying he was pausing attacks at Iran’s request.

March 30: He claimed “great progress" in talks but warned of destroying power plants, oil wells, Kharg Island and possibly desalination plants if no deal was reached.

April 1: Trump said Iran sought a ceasefire, which Tehran denied, calling it “false and baseless".

April 4: He warned that “time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down".

Tehran remains defiant

Iran has maintained its position, warning that any attack on its infrastructure would be treated as an attack on its people and would be met with a similar response.

Meanwhile, US crude oil prices doubled since the start of 2026, climbing from $57 to $115 amid the escalating conflict.

News world 48 Hours, 5 Days, Then Another Warning: Trump’s Ultimatums To Iran Over Hormuz

Read More