Trump Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz; Tehran Warns of Counter-Strikes on Energy and Technology Infrastructure
US President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a stern warning to Iran, cautioning that Washington could launch devastating strikes on the country’s electricity generation facilities if Tehran does not ensure unrestricted maritime movement through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within the next 48 hours.
In a strongly worded message posted on Truth Social, Trump declared that failure by Iran to guarantee completely unhindered and secure passage through the key global shipping route would prompt the United States to carry out major attacks targeting Iran’s power infrastructure, beginning with its largest energy-producing installations.
Reacting sharply to the statement, Iranian authorities warned that any assault on its critical utilities would trigger retaliatory action.
Tehran indicated that it could target infrastructure linked to the United States and Israel, including energy networks, digital communication systems, and desalination facilities considered essential to the regional water supply.
The development follows Trump’s recent decision to provide Iran with a limited and temporary exemption allowing it to sell crude oil shipments already en route to buyers.
At the same time, the US administration has indicated it may scale back certain military operations in the Middle East, signalling a possible shift in its tactical approach amid continuing tensions.
Global crude prices have witnessed a sharp surge after Iran imposed restrictions on vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime corridor for international energy supplies.
The move came in response to joint US-Israel military actions that reportedly targeted Iranian sites on February 28. Nearly four weeks into the confrontation, hostilities between Israel and Iran continue to intensify, with both sides escalating offensive operations.
In one of the latest developments, Iran reportedly launched missile strikes aimed at Israel’s Dimona region, resulting in damage to a structure in the area.
Iranian officials described the action as retaliation for a prior Israeli strike on Natanz, which houses one of Iran’s major nuclear facilities.
Trump also suggested that responsibility for ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz should primarily fall on countries that rely heavily on the route for energy transportation.
He emphasised that the United States is comparatively less dependent on the passage, though it may offer support if requested by allied nations seeking to protect commercial shipping operations.
“The responsibility for monitoring and protecting the Hormuz maritime corridor should be undertaken by those countries that depend significantly on it.
The United States is not among them, but we remain willing to assist partners if they request cooperation in safeguarding navigation through the route,” Trump said.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that the temporary exemption granted to Iran applies strictly to oil cargo already in transit and does not authorise any fresh trade agreements or expansion in production output.
He maintained that the arrangement is unlikely to provide Tehran with meaningful financial benefit, as restrictions would make it difficult for Iran to fully access proceeds from the sales.
In a separate statement criticising commentary published by a New York Times analyst, Trump asserted that US military operations had already severely weakened Iran far earlier than anticipated.
He claimed that the country’s leadership structure has been significantly disrupted and alleged that its naval and air capabilities have been largely neutralised, leaving it with limited defensive strength.
Trump further stated that although Iran may now be signalling willingness to negotiate, he currently has little interest in pursuing an agreement, suggesting that the strategic balance has shifted substantially in Washington’s favour.
