Trump Issues Ultimatum: Reopen Strait of Hormuz or Face Devastation of Iran’s Infrastructure

By Perplexity News Staff | April 7, 2026

Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has doubled down on his demands for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, issuing stark threats to obliterate the country’s power plants and bridges if a deal is not reached by Tuesday evening.[1][2]

In a series of pointed statements, Trump emphasized that free traffic of oil and goods through the vital waterway is non-negotiable for any ceasefire agreement. Speaking to reporters, the president outlined a bold proposal: the U.S. could impose tolls on ships transiting the strait, turning Iran’s blockade into an opportunity for American leverage. “We have a concept where we’ll charge tolls,” Trump said, making it clear that reopening the strait is a “very big priority.”[1]

Escalating Threats Amid Ongoing Strikes

The ultimatum comes as U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran enter their fifth week, with Monday marking the heaviest bombardment yet. Defense officials reported continuous operations targeting Iranian military assets, while Trump warned of even more severe consequences. “We can bomb the hell out of them. We can knock them out for a loop,” he stated, highlighting the ease with which Iran could mine the strait but vowing not to tolerate it.[1]

Trump’s rhetoric intensified on social media, where he posted an expletive-laden message threatening that Iranians would be “living in Hell” without swift compliance. This follows a dramatic U.S. Air Force rescue operation over the weekend, saving two airmen whose plane was shot down inside Iranian territory.[2]

“We have to have a deal that’s acceptable to me, and part of that deal is going to be we want free traffic of oil and everything else.”
– President Donald Trump[1]

Iran’s Blockade and Toll Scheme

Iran has enforced a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the strikes, a chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil flows. Last week, Iran’s parliament approved a plan to charge fees for commercial vessels, using Larak Island as a makeshift “toll booth.” While some non-U.S. and non-Israeli ships have been allowed passage after payment – described by other nations as extortion – the waterway remains largely closed to Western traffic.[1]

Iran has negotiated individually with countries like Iraq, clearing their vessels over the weekend, but shows no signs of yielding to Trump’s demands. Tehran’s foreign ministry dismissed ongoing mediation efforts, stating that negotiations are “incompatible with ultimatums and threats to commit war crimes.”[2]

Ceasefire Proposal on the Table

Amid the brinkmanship, mediators have floated a 45-day ceasefire proposal to both sides, according to sources cited by Axios. Trump initially set a Monday deadline for a deal but extended it to 8 p.m. ET Tuesday, buying a narrow window for diplomacy. National Security Advisor Pete Hegseth underscored the gravity, warning Iran to “choose wisely, because this president does not play around.”[1]

Trump’s insistence marks a reversal from last week’s prime-time address, where he suggested leaving the strait issue to other nations. Now, it’s firmly back on the table as a core condition.[2]

Recent Escalations: Strikes and Casualties

Tensions have boiled over with tit-for-tat attacks. Israel struck Iran’s largest petrochemical complex on Saturday and a leading university, while an Iranian missile hit Israel’s Haifa, killing four. U.S. strikes continue unabated, focusing on degrading Iran’s retaliatory capabilities.[2]

Recent Key Strikes in the Conflict

Date	Target	Perpetrator	Impact
Monday	Iranian military assets	U.S./Israel	Largest volume of strikes
Saturday	Petrochemical complex, university	Israel	Major infrastructure hit
Recent	Haifa, Israel	Iran	4 killed

Global Implications

The standoff threatens global energy markets, with oil prices spiking amid fears of prolonged disruption. Analysts warn that full closure could send prices soaring past $150 per barrel. European and Asian allies urge de-escalation, but Trump’s hardline stance resonates with supporters who see it as standing up to Iranian aggression.

Critics, however, decry the threats as reckless, potentially violating international law by targeting civilian infrastructure like power plants and bridges. Human rights groups have condemned the rhetoric, calling for UN intervention.

Path Forward Uncertain

As the Tuesday deadline looms, all eyes are on Tehran. Will Iran blink and reopen the strait, or will Trump’s threats translate into action? Pentagon sources indicate strike plans are ready, with B-52 bombers on alert. Diplomatic channels remain open, but the window is closing fast.

For now, the world holds its breath over the Strait of Hormuz – a narrow waterway that could ignite broader conflict or pave the way for peace.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.