Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz

United States President Donald Trump has issued a direct ultimatum to Iran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by 8pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Failure to meet this deadline, which corresponds to midnight GMT on April 8, will result in the destruction of national bridges and power plants, according to the US president.

The threat follows a series of escalating deadlines. On March 21, President Trump previously threatened to attack Iranian power plants, stating he would target the biggest one first if the shipping route was not fully reopened within 48 hours. That deadline has been extended multiple times as the US president claimed the US was engaged in negotiations with Iran to conclude the ongoing war.

In a social media post on Truth Social on April 5, President Trump described the upcoming Tuesday as Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. He warned that the country would be living in Hell if the strait remained closed.

Impact on Infrastructure and Shipping

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping route for the global energy market. Traffic through the strait has ground to a halt since February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched their first attacks against Iran.

While President Trump has stated that Iran will lose every power plant and every other plant they have in the whole country, he has not identified specific targets for the upcoming deadline. However, military action against Iranian infrastructure has already begun.

Over the weekend of April 4-5, 2026, a joint US-Israeli strike hit the B1 bridge in the city of Karaj, located west of Tehran. The B1 bridge is described as the tallest bridge in the Middle East and had been scheduled for inauguration shortly before the strike, which caused significant damage to the major highway link.

Legal and Diplomatic Responses

Iran’s mission to the United Nations has condemned the threats, stating that the US president is openly threatening to destroy infrastructure essential to civilian survival in Iran. Iranian officials have promised to retaliate if any attacks on their infrastructure occur.

Legal experts have noted that targeting civilian sites may amount to collective punishment. Such actions are prohibited under the established laws of war.

Diplomatic narratives remain conflicted. President Trump told Fox News on April 5 that Iran is currently negotiating with the US and expressed belief that a deal could be reached before the Tuesday deadline. Conversely, Iran has denied that it is holding any direct talks with the United States.

Iran’s Energy Grid Overview

Iran operates one of the largest electricity systems in the Middle East, supplying energy to approximately 92 million people. The system consists of hundreds of power plants, many of which are located near industrial hubs and major population centers.

The majority of the Iranian population resides in the western half of the country. The three largest cities—Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan—are primary centers for energy consumption.

Electricity generated from these plants is fed into a nationwide transmission community. This grid is operated by the Iran Grid Management Company, which is responsible for distributing power to houses, industries, and cities across the nation.

Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F****** Strait, you crazy b*******, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah

Donald Trump, Truth Social post, April 5, 2026