Donald Trump has shared the precise cutoff time for Iran to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, after posting an expletive-laced message on Easter Sunday.
Across the Easter weekend, Trump published several posts about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, continuing to pressure Iran to allow passage through Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global energy shipments. It has been closed by Iran since a joint US-Israel strike on the country in February, a move that has contributed to rising energy costs internationally.
On Saturday (April 4), Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran via Truth Social.
“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT.
“Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.”
Iran’s response suggested the threat had little impact. Gen Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, a senior Iranian military figure, told the Trump administration that ‘the gates of hell will open for you’.
On Sunday (April 5), Trump returned to Truth Social with another post aimed at Iran, this time in a profanity-filled outburst.
“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.”
A short time later, he followed up again and set out an exact deadline.
“Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!”
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Sunday, Trump said he would escalate dramatically if Iran does not re-open the strait by Tuesday evening.
He also made similar remarks in comments reported by the Wall Street Journal.
“If they don’t do something by Tuesday evening, they won’t have any power plants and they won’t have any bridges standing,” the president told the Wall Street Journal.
Trump has also previously used an alternative name for the Strait of Hormuz during remarks to the press last month.
“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.”