By Blessing Nweke
US President Donald Trump has sparked international alarm after posting an expletive-filled warning threatening to destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz by a revised deadline.
In a message shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated his earlier pledge to unleash “hell,” demanding Iran immediately restore shipping through the narrow waterway. The strait, a critical global النفط transit route, handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies. Disruptions there have already sent energy prices soaring and raised fears of global inflation.
Iran swiftly dismissed the ultimatum, with officials describing Trump’s remarks as “helpless, nervous and stupid.” A spokesperson for the Iranian presidency suggested the strait would reopen only if transit tolls could help compensate for damages sustained during the ongoing conflict.
The escalation follows more than a month of intensifying hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Recent clashes include the downing of a US fighter jet over southwestern Iran, with both crew members now recovered after a high-risk rescue mission.
Meanwhile, cross-border strikes have expanded. Israeli forces reportedly hit Iranian infrastructure, including a petrochemical site, while Iran has launched drones and missiles at Israeli cities and US-aligned Gulf nations. A missile strike in Haifa injured four civilians, while facilities in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait sustained heavy damage.
Despite his aggressive rhetoric, Trump indicated there remains a “good chance” of a diplomatic breakthrough, even as he warned of drastic military action if negotiations fail.
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