On Saturday, former President Donald Trump delivered a stern ultimatum to Iran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, or face severe consequences from the United States. He threatened that failure to comply would result in US military strikes targeting Iran’s critical energy infrastructure.

Trump took to Truth Social to convey his message, stating, “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!”

This ultimatum follows Iran’s effective closure of the strategic waterway, which is crucial for global oil transport, ever since a joint US-Israeli military operation was launched against the nation on February 28. The Strait of Hormuz is responsible for the passage of one-fifth of the world’s oil exports.

The blockade has led to a significant rise in global fuel prices, with Brent crude oil prices maintaining a level above $100 per barrel as of Friday, a steep increase from around $70 just a month prior.

In response, Tehran has indicated its intention to leverage the soaring oil prices as a means to exert pressure on the US and Israel. The escalating tensions have underscored the volatile geopolitical climate impacting global energy markets.

Trump’s fervent warning followed another post where he emphatically declared that the US had essentially “blown Iran off of the map,” highlighting the heightened rhetoric between the two nations.

He claimed the escalating conflict was progressing “weeks ahead of schedule” while bashing the New York Times for reporting otherwise.

“The United States has blown Iran off the map, and yet their lightweight analyst, David Sanger, says that I haven’t met my own goals. Yes I have, and weeks ahead of schedule,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

“Their leadership is gone, their navy and air force are dead, they have absolutely no defense, and they want to make a deal. I don’t! We are weeks ahead of schedule. Just like their incompetent Election coverage of me, The Failing new York Times always gets it wrong.”

Follow The Post’s coverage of the United States’ airstrikes on Iran:

Trump on Friday told reporters he’s not interested in a potential cease-fire with Iran, contending that the damage in the country is so severe that it will take a decade to rebuild.

He slammed Iran for “clogging up the strait” and NATO for not having the “courage” to help reopen it.

Trump said he has not ruled out ordering troops to storm Iran’s coast to secure the Strait of Hormuz or take Kharg Island.