Trump issues threat to Iran ahead of deadline to reopen Strait of Hormuz

By Brett Rowland
The Center Square

President Donald Trump threatened a brutal attack on Iran two days ahead of his deadline for the Islamic Republic to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz.

As tensions between the United States and Iran continue, Trump issued a stark ultimatum, threatening military action if Iran does not reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The closure of this crucial waterway has already sent global energy prices soaring and strained U.S. consumers, raising fears of a broader conflict with significant economic and geopolitical consequences.

The president’s latest threat comes two days before the end of his 10-day deadline to open the cwaterway, which normally carries about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas. Trump told Iranian leaders to make a deal or open up the Strait to avoid further attacks.

“Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!,” Trump wrote in a social media post on Saturday.

Earlier in the week, Trump urged U.S. allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran closed after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Feb. 28. The closure has driven up global gas and diesel prices, which have been felt in the U.S., frustrating Americans.

Since the start of the conflict at the end of February, U.S. gas prices have climbed about $1 per gallon, with the national average recently hitting $4 per gallon.

The ongoing conflict with Iran has sent oil prices to their highest levels in years. If hostilities continue, experts warn that economic strain will deepen, further burdening U.S. taxpayers.

With U.S. military operations costing an estimated $1 billion per day, analysts have said a prolonged war could drive a significant increase in defense spending and further impact the federal budget.

The Department of War has suggested it could request an additional $200 billion from Congress for the Iran operations, but has yet to provide precise figures for a supplemental request.

Trump’s threat Saturday came a day after the president unveiled a 2027 budget proposal that calls for a 44% increase in military spending, aiming to bolster the nation’s military.

The U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28 after nuclear talks with the Islamic Republic failed to produce a deal. Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have laid out four military objectives: Destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, neutralizing its navy, preventing the development of nuclear weapons, and ensuring the regime can’t direct terrorism beyond its borders.

Trump and Hegseth have said most of those objectives have been accomplished. Trump has declined to put a time limit on the military operation, but has previously said the conflict will end “when I feel it, feel it in my bones.”