Trump's 48-Hour Ultimatum Met with 'Foolish Threat' Retort from Iran
Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The warning from the United States President was ignored by Iran, which described it as a foolish threat.
Trump’s threat was posted on his Truth Social platform, as reported by AFP on Saturday (4 April 2026). Trump warned Tehran that it would face “hell” if it refused to reach an agreement.
“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ,” Trump wrote.
“Time is almost up, 48 hours before all Hell will come down on them,” Trump stated.
Initially, Trump threatened on 21 March to “destroy” Iran’s power plants, starting with the largest in the country, “if Iran does not FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS.”
However, two days later, he stated that “very good and productive” conversations were underway with Iranian authorities. He then postponed the attack on the power plants for five days.
He subsequently extended the deadline again, until 20:00 on Monday (00:00 GMT Tuesday) forthcoming.
Experts say that attacks on civilian energy infrastructure could be considered war crimes.
Iran’s Response
Iran’s central military command ignored Donald Trump’s threat to destroy the country’s vital infrastructure if Iran did not accept a peace agreement and open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iran mocked Trump in response.
As reported by AFP on Sunday (5 April), General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, in a statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, described Trump’s threat as a “helpless, nervous, unbalanced, and foolish” action.
He also responded to the religious language used by Trump in his social media post. Aliabadi warned that “the simple meaning of this message is that the gates of hell will open for you.”
Trump’s Threats
Trump’s threats and Iran’s strong reaction are not the first. Previously, Trump had also issued threats to Iran and called for regime change.
As reported by Al Jazeera on Friday (3 April), Trump said he would carry out a new series of attacks. He stated that the US military would destroy what remained of Iran’s infrastructure that had not yet been destroyed.
“Our military, the greatest and strongest (by far!) anywhere in the world, has not even begun to destroy what is left in Iran. Next bridge, then power plants!” Trump said.
Trump also urged regime change in Iran. He called for this regime change to be carried out immediately.
“The new regime’s leadership will know what to do, and it must be done, quickly!” he said.
Previously, Trump also announced that his side had launched fresh attacks on Iran. The strikes targeted the B1 bridge in Karaj, which is the tallest bridge in the Middle East.
As reported by AFP news agency on Friday (3 April), the attack was launched shortly after Trump threatened to return Iran to the “Stone Age”. Trump also posted a video clip on social media showing smoke rising from the B1 bridge in Karaj, located about 20 miles (35 kilometres) southwest of Tehran.
Trump warned that there would be further destruction unless Iran was willing to sit at the negotiating table to end the war that has been ongoing for five weeks.
“Iran’s largest bridge has collapsed, it will never be usable again—many more to follow! It’s time for Iran to make a deal before it’s too late, and there’s nothing left of what could be a great country!” Trump said.