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In a social media post, Trump said the United States would "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants, beginning with the largest facility, if the waterway is not "fully open, without threat" within the specified timeframe.
UPDATED: Mar 22, 2026 05:58 IST
Donald Trump on Saturday issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening to launch strikes on the country’s power infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
In a social media post, Trump said the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants, beginning with the largest facility, if the waterway is not “fully open, without threat” within the specified timeframe.
“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST,” Trump said.
The warning comes as the conflict enters a more dangerous phase, with hostilities expanding beyond their initial scope.
According to Israeli officials, Iranian forces have fired long-range missiles for the first time since the start of the war, raising concerns about the potential reach of the conflict beyond the Middle East. An Iranian strike also reportedly injured dozens of people near a sensitive nuclear site in Israel.
Eyal Zamir said Iran launched two 4,000-km-range ballistic missiles at the US-UK military base at Diego Garcia. The Israeli military described it as the “first time” Iran had used such long-range missiles since the United States and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28.
“These missiles are not intended to strike Israel. Their range reaches European capitals — Berlin, Paris and Rome are all within direct threat range,” Zamir said.
The conflict has already taken a heavy toll. More than 2,000 people have been killed in Iran since US and Israeli attacks began, while at least 15 people have died in Israeli territory in Iranian strikes.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow corridor linking the Persian Gulf to global markets, remains one of the world’s most vital shipping routes, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil supplies.
Iran has effectively restricted passage through the strait in recent weeks, disrupting global energy flows and pushing oil prices higher. The situation has triggered global concern, with more than 20 countries calling for the restoration of safe maritime transit.
- Ends
Published By:
Nitish Singh
Published On:
Mar 22, 2026 05:58 IST
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