Donald Trump used Truth Social on Easter Sunday to deliver an expletive-laden warning to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Global energy costs have climbed since fighting in the Middle East intensified in February, after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz — the key passage linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
Trump has repeatedly called for the route to be reopened and, on Saturday (April 4), said Iran faced a deadline.
“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT,” the president penned.
“Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.”
Gen Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, described as a senior Iranian military officer, responded to the US demand with a warning of his own, saying ‘the gates of hell will open for you’.
With no apparent breakthrough, Trump posted again on Sunday (April 5), escalating his language and ending the message with the phrase ‘Praise be to Allah’.
Trump wrote: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy b*******, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”
Despite the rhetoric, there has been little indication the threats have shifted the situation. Trump also drew attention for briefly misnaming the waterway as the ‘Strait of Trump’ during a recent public appearance.
Speaking of the war in Iran, the Republican president said: “We’re negotiating now, and it’d be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up. They have to open up the Strait of Trump — I mean, Hormuz. Excuse me, I’m so sorry, such a terrible mistake.
“The fake news will say he accidentally said — there’s no accidents with me, not too many. If there were, we’d have a major story.”
The latest posts followed reports that Iranian forces shot down a US fighter jet on Friday, prompting the US to launch a search-and-rescue operation.
One co-pilot was recovered not long after the incident, and Trump said early Sunday that the second co-pilot had also been brought to safety.
Trump wrote: “My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in US History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND!”