Trump Threatens to Destroy Iran's Power Plants if Strait of Hormuz Not Opened in 48 Hours

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran in the latest development on Sunday (22/3/2026). In his social media post, Trump threatened that the United States would “destroy” Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened within 48 hours.

“If Iran does not FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREATS, the Strait of Hormuz within 48 HOURS from now, the United States will attack and destroy various of their POWER PLANTS, STARTING FROM THE LARGEST FIRST!” Trump stated on social media.

Trump faces increasing pressure to secure the Strait of Hormuz as oil prices surge. An attack on power sources would represent a dramatic escalation if it occurs.

The Brent oil price held steady at $112 per barrel on Sunday (22/3/2026). That price has risen 57 percent since the beginning of the month.

This threat comes just one day after Trump spoke about efforts to “de-escalate” the war. This escalation has entered a new dangerous phase after Iran fired long-range missiles for the first time.

Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir stated that Iran launched two ballistic missiles with a range of 4,000 kilometres at the US-UK military base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The Israeli military described this as “the first time” Iran has used long-range missiles since the United States and Israel began attacking Iran on 28 February.

“These missiles are not intended to strike Israel. Their range reaches the capitals of Europe — Berlin, Paris, and Rome are all within direct threat range,” Zamir said in a statement.