Donald Trump Ultimatum to Iran: Strait of Hormuz or Major Infrastructure Attack?

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Tensions in the Middle East have escalated again after US President Donald Trump issued a new ultimatum to Iran.

On April 4, 2026, Trump gave Iran 48 hours to meet Washington's demands for a deal or immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

This threat was said via his social media platform, Truth Social.

This ultimatum is not the first issued by Donald Trump, marking an escalation of the conflict that has been brewing for some time.

🚨 JUST IN: In a recent post, U.S. President Donald Trump has just unleashed a brutal ultimatum to the Iranian regime: "Open the Strait of Hormuz or you'll be living in Hell." pic.twitter.com/UQ740dl93F

— WORLD NEWS (@_MAGA_NEWS_) April 5, 2026

Donald Trump explicitly stated his ultimatum on Truth Social, asserting that "time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will fall on them."

This threat came after a series of deadline extensions beginning in March 2026.

Initially, Trump threatened to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not opened within 48 hours, but then postponed the attack for five days after "very good and productive conversations" with Iranian authorities.

The deadline was subsequently pushed back to April 6, and finally extended to Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

He wrote, "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all rolled into one, in Iran. There will be no such thing!!! Open the Strait, you crazy b******s, or you will live in Hell – JUST LOOK!"

Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been in effect since February 28, 2026, triggering a global energy crisis.

This drastic measure was taken after the United States and Israel launched a massive bombing campaign against Iran, resulting in the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The Strait of Hormuz plays a crucial role as one of the world's most important energy transit routes, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil flows.

The closure of this vital waterway immediately led to an oil shortage in the global market and a significant spike in fuel prices.

Furthermore, Iran has also targeted oil-producing Gulf states that host US military bases.

Iran's response to Donald Trump's ultimatum has been challenging and decisive.

Iran has retaliated by launching drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets.

The Iranian parliament speaker warned that the US president's "reckless move" would mean "our entire region will be set on fire," indicating Iran's readiness to retaliate.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, declared on April 5 that Iran would continue to attack shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran claims the Strait of Hormuz remains open except to vessels belonging to countries that attack Iran and countries that support attacks against Iran.

Despite the threats, Donald Trump also stated in an interview with Fox News that Tehran is "negotiating now" and there is a "good chance" of reaching an agreement within about 24 hours.

However, Iran has rejected the US proposal to end the conflict as "unilateral and unfair."

The Iranian Parliament, through General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, rejected Trump's threat as "a helpless, nervous, unbalanced, and foolish act," and warned that "the simple meaning of this message is that the gates of hell will be opened for you."

The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a wave of global energy rationing, with Brent crude prices opening above $110 per barrel.

More than 40 countries have agreed to increase diplomatic pressure to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, recognizing the far-reaching impact of closing this vital waterway.

Human rights experts have also expressed deep concern about Trump's threat.

They warned that attacking civilian infrastructure, such as power plants, could violate international humanitarian law and potentially constitute a war crime.

Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnes Callamard described Trump's post as "abhorrent," highlighting the inevitable civilian suffering caused by the destruction of critical infrastructure.