War in the Middle East: Donald Trump threatens and insults Iranian officials, whom he calls a gang of t

On his Truth Social network, the American president threatened on Sunday to strike energy plants and bridges in Iran if the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s consumed hydrocarbons usually pass, is not reopened.

Published on 05/04/2026 at 18:58, updated on 05/04/2026 at 19:40.

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President Donald Trump has once again threatened to target Iranian infrastructure. Just 24 hours before the deadline for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz expired on Sunday, April 5th, the President of the United States sent a particularly vindictive message to Iran via his Truth Social network: “Open the damn strait, you bastards, or you will live in hell – you will see,” he wrote, adding: “Glory to Allah.” The day before, the Republican billionaire had reminded that his ultimatum, issued ten days earlier, would end Monday evening at 8 p.m. (Washington time), after which he would “unleash hell.”

A few hours later, Donald Trump posted a cryptic message on his social network. “Tuesday, 8 p.m., Eastern time” [in the United States], he wrote, without specifying whether it was a postponement of the ultimatum or not.

Tehran responded through the Iranian Parliament President. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote in English: “Your reckless actions lead the United States into a real hell for every family.” “Our entire region will burn because you insist on following the orders of [Benjamin] Netanyahu,” he continued, referring to the Israeli Prime Minister, as Washington and Tel Aviv jointly launched operations against Iran on February 28th. “The only real solution is to respect the rights of the Iranian people and to put an end to this dangerous game,” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf continued.

Despite his strong message, Donald Trump, speaking in an interview with a Fox News journalist, believed there were “good chances” of reaching an agreement with Iran.

The United Arab Emirates once again stated on Sunday that they were ready to “join any effort” led by the United States or the international community to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s strategy, which has regularly targeted its Gulf neighbors since the start of the war, risks enhancing Israel’s influence in the region, said presidential advisor Anwar Gargash during a media briefing.

In another Gulf monarchy, Oman, the sultanate’s official news agency assured that authorities had discussed the issue of the Strait of Hormuz with Iran. The meeting brought together diplomats from both countries who presented possible “options” for the reopening of the crucial passage for global hydrocarbon supply.