Trump Draws Red Line: 48 Hours To Open Strait Or U.S. Strikes Begin

President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a stark 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, warning that the United States will begin targeting the country’s energy infrastructure if it does not reopen the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.

“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 wrote on Truth Social at 7:44 p.m. EST.

The warning marks one of the most direct threats yet on Iranian infrastructure as the conflict enters a dangerous new phase. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical waterways in the world, carrying roughly one-fifth of the global oil supply during peacetime.

Since early March, traffic through the narrow passage has been severely restricted following Iranian military actions, including attacks on commercial vessels and the laying of naval mines, according to international statements.

The disruption has already sent oil prices surging, with global markets reacting to fears of prolonged instability in the region.

Trump signaled in recent remarks that reopening the strait would not be overly complex militarily, though it would require significant coordination. “It’s relatively safe … you need ships, you need volume,” he told reporters Friday, describing the operation as a “simple military maneuver.”

At the same time, the president criticized NATO allies for failing to step in. “NATO could help us, but they so far haven’t had the courage to do so,” Trump said, after earlier blasting the alliance as “cowards.”

Despite Trump’s criticism, more than 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan and Canada have signed a joint statement condemning Iran’s actions. “We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels … and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement read.

The countries also signaled their “readiness to contribute” to ensure safe passage through the waterway, suggesting the early stages of a potential multinational response. Trump’s ultimatum comes just days after U.S. forces carried out strikes on Iranian anti-ship missile sites near the strait.

According to U.S. Central Command, the operation involved 5,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, targeting capabilities believed to threaten maritime traffic. The escalation underscores how quickly the standoff is moving from economic pressure to direct military confrontation.

Iranian officials have pushed back on U.S. demands, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claiming in an interview with Kyodo News that restrictions have only applied to countries involved in attacks on Iran. At the same time, Iran has issued its own warnings, threatening to target U.S.-aligned energy infrastructure across the region if strikes continue.

Iran launched one of its most destructive attacks of the conflict over the weekend, with missiles striking southern Israel and injuring more than 100 people, including civilians in residential areas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate “on all fronts,” as Israeli forces reportedly carried out additional strikes inside Iran.

Asian countries such as Japan are heavily dependent on oil shipments through the passage, with the Japanese already weighing potential military involvement, including minesweeping operations, if conditions allow. Meanwhile, global oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel multiple times during the conflict, raising concerns about inflation and economic disruption far beyond the Middle East.

Trump’s ultimatum now sets a clear deadline in a high-stakes staring contest: if Iran does not comply, the United States could move from targeting military assets to striking core infrastructure inside the country. With both sides escalating, the next 48 hours may determine whether the conflict remains contained or spirals into something far larger.