By Ginika Igboke
President Donald Trump said Sunday that he is not ruling out the deployment of U.S. ground troops to Iran if Tehran does not reach an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by a Tuesday deadline.
In a phone interview, Trump declined to exclude military escalation options when asked directly about sending troops on the ground. He also indicated that potential targets would not be limited strictly to military sites, suggesting civilian infrastructure could be considered.
“Normal people would make a deal. Smart people would make a deal,” Trump said, urging Iranian leaders to reach an agreement. “If they were smart they would make a deal.”
Sharp Warnings Ahead of Deadline
Earlier in the day, Trump issued a strong warning on social media, signaling potential military action if Iran fails to comply.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” he wrote, calling on Tehran to reopen the strategic waterway. He added a stark warning: “Or you’ll be living in Hell.”
In a separate post, he wrote simply: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time,” without further elaboration.
Escalating Conflict and Military Posturing
Since the conflict began, U.S. and Israeli forces have largely relied on aerial strikes targeting sites within Iran. No ground troops have been deployed so far, though Trump has repeatedly stated in recent weeks that the option remains on the table.
Iranian officials responded on Sunday by warning of retaliation if civilian infrastructure is targeted. There have been no public signs that Tehran is willing to agree to reopening the Strait of Hormuz under current conditions.
Iran continues to demand an end to hostilities. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticized Trump’s stance, accusing him of being influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and warning of broader regional consequences.
Regional Strikes and Rising Tensions
Tensions escalated further as Iran launched strikes in response to Israeli attacks on its petrochemical facilities. Targets reportedly included sites in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also claimed responsibility for an attack on what it described as an Israeli-linked ship at Dubai’s Jebel Ali port.
Previously, Iranian forces had threatened or carried out attacks on civilian and commercial targets across the region, including warnings directed at major U.S. technology companies.
Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy corridor, linking the Persian Gulf to international waters. Since the conflict began on Feb. 28, the passage has been effectively closed, triggering sharp increases in global oil and gas prices.
Iran has targeted oil tankers in the region, claiming they were supporting U.S. and Israeli military efforts.
Rescue Operation Highlights Ongoing Military Activity
The developments come alongside the reported rescue of a U.S. airman from mountainous terrain in Iran. Trump described the mission as one of the most daring search-and-rescue operations in U.S. history, underscoring the intensity and risk of ongoing military operations in the region.
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