US Threatens Largest Strike on Iran Ahead of Trump's Hormuz Strait Deadline

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that US strikes against Iran will reach their highest volume in the near future. These strikes are set to intensify tomorrow as the 48-hour deadline for opening the Strait of Hormuz, previously issued by US President Donald Trump, draws near.

According to Al Jazeera on Tuesday (7 April 2026), Hegseth said US forces would conduct more strikes against Iran on Monday local time. These strikes are described as the largest since the war began.

“Today will be the largest volume of strikes since the first day of this operation,” Hegseth said, repeating a claim he has made several times throughout the war.

He stated that the strikes are planned to be further intensified the following day.

“Tomorrow, even more than today. At that point, Iran has a choice,” he said.

Trump’s Ultimatum

Trump previously stated that Iran has 48 hours to open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump threatened that Iran would face hell if it does not reach an agreement.

“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, as reported by AFP on Saturday (4 April).

“Time is almost up – 48 hours before all Hell will rain down on them,” Trump said, adding: “All glory to GOD!”

Trump initially threatened on 21 March to “destroy” Iran’s power plants, starting with the largest in the country, “if Iran does not FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREATS, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS.”

However, two days later, he said that “very good and productive” conversations were underway with Iranian authorities. He then postponed strikes on the power plants for five days.

He subsequently extended the deadline again, until it expires at 8:00 PM on Monday (00:00 GMT Tuesday) upcoming.