As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Donald Trump has appeared to grant a brief extension to his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
In a social media post, Trump wrote: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!”
The message came hours after he issued expletive-laden threats to intensify strikes on Iran and its energy infrastructure if the strait is not reopened by the revised deadline.
The president warned that the United States could target Iran’s power plants and bridges, stating the country would be “living in hell” if it fails to comply.
Tehran, however, remains defiant, insisting the vital shipping route—crucial to global trade—will stay closed until Iran is compensated for war-related damages. Iran’s UN mission described Trump’s remarks as “clear evidence of intent to commit a war crime.”
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Iran’s military joint command has also warned of escalating attacks on regional oil and civilian infrastructure if the United States and Israel strike similar targets within Iran, according to state media.
Senior Iranian adviser Ali Akbar Velayati suggested that Tehran could further disrupt trade through the Bab el-Mandeb, a key route connecting to the Suez Canal.
Trump had previously issued a similar two-day ultimatum on March 21, which was later extended to April 6. The renewed threat contrasts with his earlier statement that the United States did not depend on the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Iran has continued retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region. In the United Arab Emirates, authorities reported that four people—one Nepali and three Pakistani nationals—were injured in fires caused by debris from an intercepted Iranian projectile at Khor Fakkan port. The intercepted debris also sparked fires at a petrochemical plant in Ruwais, halting operations.
In Kuwait, Iranian drone attacks caused significant damage to power plants and a petrochemical facility. In Bahrain, a drone strike ignited a fire at a national oil company storage site and a state-run petrochemical plant.