Trump issues expletive-laden threat to Iran over Hormuz Strait blockage
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- US President Donald Trump issued a profane social media threat to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping by his Tuesday deadline.
- Trump reiterated his threat to unleash "hell" but also told US media there was a "good chance" a deal with Tehran could be reached soon, while extending the deadline to Tuesday evening.
- The threat followed the rescue of the second crew member of a US fighter jet downed over Iran, amidst escalating tensions and retaliatory attacks between Iran, the US, Israel, and Gulf Arab allies.
- Iran's military condemned Trump's threat as "helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid," warning that "the gates of hell will open" for the US if action is taken.
- Israel has been conducting attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure and awaits US approval for further strikes on energy facilities in the coming week.
