Trump says US will ‘obliterate’ Iranian power plants if Strait of Hormuz not reopened

The Hill
by Ryan Mancini
March 22, 2026
2 views
3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Trump threatens to obliterate Iranian power plants unless Strait of Hormuz reopened in two days.

How This Affects You

If military action occurs, global oil markets could be disrupted, potentially raising U.S. gas prices.

AI Summary

President Trump threatened Saturday to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if the country does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days. The ultimatum follows Trump's earlier statement that the U.S. military operation in Iran is nearing completion of its objectives. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil passes, making Iranian control over the waterway a major strategic and economic concern. Trump's escalating rhetoric signals a hardening stance after initially suggesting the military campaign was winding down. The threat sets an immediate deadline for Iranian action, raising the risk of direct military confrontation between the two countries.

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