Donald Trump has issued a new ultimatum to Iran during a press conference on Monday, April 6. The President of the United States set a deadline for Tuesday night at 8:00 pm (Washington time) before bombing energy infrastructure in Iran. In the absence of an agreement with Iran, he threatened to destroy “all the bridges” and “set the power plants on fire,” but said he hopes “not to have to do it.” He reiterated that his priority was “the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” as reported by BFM TV. During the press conference, the American president stated that “the Iranians are begging (him) to continue” the airstrikes and that they are “ready to suffer for freedom” and overthrow the Revolutionary Guards. He also called on the Iranian people to rise up.
In the context of the war in Iran initiated by the United States and Israel on February 28, Donald Trump has intensified threats against Tehran. “We can take the whole country in one night, and that night may be tomorrow,” he claimed. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, he demanded Iran: “Open this damn strait, you bastards, or you will live in hell. YOU WILL SEE.” According to him, all bridges and power plants could be “destroyed in four hours.” Traffic slightly resumed in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend of April 4 and 5 with 21 ships passing through, including one Iraqi and a majority of Iranians. After five weeks of war in Iran, the blockade of the strait has caused an increase in oil prices as the Brent barrel has exceeded $110, as reported by Les Echos.
Context: Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran, threatening to bomb energy infrastructure in the country.
Fact Check: The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has led to an increase in oil prices.
A critical stage in discussions to end the war in Iran
In response to Donald Trump, Iran launched new air attacks on Israel and Gulf countries on Monday, April 6. Meanwhile, the coalition led by Israel and the United States killed the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence and Israel attacked a site that accounts for half of Iran’s petrochemical production. U.S. allies have expressed reluctance to engage in a naval operation to secure the strait. Mediations are underway, and discussions have taken place between Oman and Iran regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The escalation continues in Iran. While Donald Trump’s threats against Iran intensify, Iranian leaders continue to reject a potential agreement. On April 6, they rejected the 45-day ceasefire proposal presented by Pakistan on behalf of the United States and Israel. According to the Iranian official news agency IRNA, Iran rejected the agreement and demanded the lifting of sanctions, reconstruction efforts, a protocol guaranteeing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, cited by Le Monde, spoke of a “critical” step in efforts to end the war in Iran. Additionally, the Israeli military hinted at possible strikes on the Iranian railway network as they advised Iranians not to take the train until Tuesday, April 8, for their “safety.”
