US President Donald Trump has renewed his ultimatum to Iran, threatening to unleash devastating attacks on the country’s critical infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by the looming deadline of 6 April.
Trump’s comments, described by some as inflammatory and aggressive, target Iran’s power plants and bridges, which he warns will be destroyed if Iran does not comply.
His remarks follow a daring US military operation in which a crew member was rescued from deep within Iranian territory after a fighter jet was shot down during a high-risk mission that began on Friday.
The tension between the two countries escalated further as Iran claimed responsibility for shooting down several US aircraft. Among the claimed losses were two C-130 military transport planes and two Black Hawk helicopters, according to Al Jazeera.
Iranian state media aired footage of wreckage, which it said was from one of the downed planes.
Meanwhile, Trump’s expletive-laden threat to Iran was met with defiance from Iranian officials, who vowed to keep the Strait closed and demand compensation for the war’s damage.
US military rescues crew member
In the early hours of Sunday, Trump confirmed the successful rescue of a US airman who had been stranded in Iranian territory following the downing of a fighter jet. The airman was reported to be “seriously wounded” but was retrieved after a high-risk operation involving US special forces and assistance from Israel, according to BBC.
The rescue mission, which reportedly encountered fierce resistance from Iranian forces, was hailed as one of the most daring in US military history.
According to Reuters, US officials revealed that several aircraft were lost during the operation, including two military transport planes and two Black Hawk helicopters.
Social media posts later confirmed that wreckage from some of these aircraft had been located.
Trump’s violent warnings
President Trump has not held back in his rhetoric, warning that if Iran does not comply with his demand to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, his administration will unleash “hell” on the country’s infrastructure.
In a social media post, Trump said, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one” if Iran fails to meet the 6 April deadline. His comments echo earlier threats made on 21 March when he warned that the US would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants, starting with the largest.
In the days that followed, Trump appeared to soften his stance, saying there had been “good and productive conversations” between the countries and postponing attacks for five days.
However, with the deadline now just days away, his rhetoric has grown more aggressive. On 27 March, Trump again extended the deadline to 6 April, citing an Iranian request.
As the day approaches, Trump has given Iran a stark warning: “48 hours” to reopen the vital shipping route.
Attacks on infrastructure and civilian targets
The war, which began with US and Israeli airstrikes across Iran on 28 February, has spread throughout the region, with Israel now resuming its attacks on Lebanon.
On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes hit the Jnah area of southern Beirut, killing four and injuring 39. The Israeli military confirmed the strikes were aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure in the area. Earlier strikes in Kfar Hatta, southern Lebanon, killed seven people, including a four-year-old girl.
Iran has launched several drone and missile attacks on US-allied nations in the region, including Bahrain and the UAE, causing significant damage to oil and petrochemical facilities.
In retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, Iran has targeted a number of key infrastructure sites, including a major aluminium plant and multiple oil facilities in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have raised alarm over the risks of a nuclear catastrophe after a strike near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant.
While radiation levels remain normal, the IAEA has expressed “deep concern” over the potential for further escalation in the region.
Peace efforts fall short as military strikes continue
Despite ongoing peace efforts, including attempts by Pakistan to mediate between the warring parties, the situation remains dire. Thousands of lives have already been lost, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have continued to cause widespread devastation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi voiced frustration over the lack of a lasting solution, saying, “What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war that is imposed on us.”
