Trump Gives Iran 48 Hours to Reopen Hormuz; Tehran Threatens Counterstrikes

Iran has issued a sharp warning of retaliation against U.S. and regional infrastructure following a 48-hour ultimatum from President Donald Trump demanding the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement carried by state-affiliated media including Tasnim and Fars news agencies on Sunday, Iran's military operational command declared that any attack on its fuel, energy, or related facilities would prompt strikes on "all energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure belonging to the US and the regime in the region." The response directly counters Trump's threat to "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants if the vital waterway remains restricted.

The escalation stems from Trump's social media post late Saturday on Truth Social, where he gave Iran until approximately 7:44 p.m. ET Monday (around 3:14 a.m. Tehran time Tuesday) to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is "FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT." He specified that failure to comply would lead to U.S. strikes on Iranian power plants, "starting with the biggest one first." The Strait, a narrow chokepoint through which about 20% of global oil transits, has faced disruptions amid the ongoing conflict, contributing to spikes in energy prices and international concern over supply chains.

This tit-for-tat rhetoric occurs against the backdrop of a broader regional war now in its fourth week, involving Iranian missile strikes on Israel—including recent attacks near sensitive sites—and U.S. military movements, such as the deployment of Marines and landing craft to the area. Trump's ultimatum marks a pivot from earlier comments suggesting a potential de-escalation or "winding down" of hostilities, amid domestic pressures in the U.S. over soaring oil costs and calls for decisive action to secure maritime routes.

Also Read: Strait Of Hormuz Tensions Push US Gas Prices Higher, Hurting American Consumers

Iran has maintained that the Strait remains open to international shipping, except for vessels linked to its "enemies"—a reference primarily to the United States and Israel. Its representative to the International Maritime Organization emphasized readiness to coordinate safety measures for non-hostile traffic, while rejecting full unrestricted access under current tensions. Analysts warn that further military action targeting energy infrastructure could trigger widespread disruptions, potentially leading to a "Black Monday" in global markets and intensifying the crisis.

The exchange highlights the high stakes in the Persian Gulf, where mutual threats to critical energy assets risk drawing in more actors and complicating diplomatic off-ramps. As the 48-hour deadline approaches, attention focuses on whether negotiations or back-channel efforts might avert strikes, or if the verbal sparring will translate into direct confrontations with severe economic and humanitarian consequences.

Also Read: Iran Targets Commercial Ships In Gulf; Hormuz Closed To Most Non-Iranian Vessels