22 March,2026 10:17 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
US President Donald Trump. File Pic/AFP
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face military strikes on its power infrastructure.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that the United States would "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants if the vital shipping route is not reopened without threat.
Quoting his statement, the White House, in a post on X wrote, "If Iran doesn't fully open, without threat, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first."
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping lanes, used for transporting oil and other goods.
President Trump described reopening the route as a straightforward military task but said it would require significant coordination and resources, including ships and international support.
The US President urged allies and major economies to take greater responsibility for securing the route, arguing that the United States is less dependent on it than others.
"We don't need it… Europe, Korea, Japan and China do," he said, framing the situation as a shared international concern, reported the IANS.
He also criticised NATO for not taking stronger action so far.
Trump called on Indo-Pacific nations, including South Korea and Australia, to play a more active role in addressing the situation, according to the IANS.
He expressed surprise at what he described as their reluctance to get involved.
Despite growing international calls for de-escalation, Trump ruled out any ceasefire in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
"You don't do a ceasefire when you're obliterating the other side," he said, indicating that US military operations would continue, the news agency reported.
Trump also claimed that Iran's military capabilities have been significantly reduced, stating that its navy, air force and air defence systems are no longer effective.
He further suggested that Iranian leadership structures have been severely impacted, indicating that the campaign may be nearing its objectives.
(with IANS inputs)
