US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it has 48 hours to act or face severe consequences, saying “time is running out” ahead of an April 6 deadline.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump recalled that he had given Iran 10 days to “make a deal” or “open up the Hormuz Strait” on March 26. “Time is running out– 48 hours before all hell will reign down on them,” he wrote.
Trump earlier said he extended the deadline at Iran’s request, pushing it from seven to 10 days after Tehran allegedly sought more time amid ongoing diplomatic engagement. Speaking to Fox News, he claimed Iranian officials had approached his administration requesting additional time as the deadline approached.
“They asked for seven, and I said, ‘I’m going to give you 10,’” Trump said, adding that if Iran failed to comply, he could target its power plants.
However, Iran has rejected the US proposal to end the conflict, calling it “one-sided and unfair.”
Experts have warned that attacks on civilian energy infrastructure could constitute a war crime, raising concerns over potential escalation.
Meanwhile, tensions have also extended to another key maritime route. Iran’s parliament speaker issued a veiled warning regarding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula that handles about a quarter of global container shipping linked to the Suez Canal.
Highlighting global supply chain vulnerabilities, he questioned the extent of reliance on the route, including shipments of oil, LNG, wheat, rice and fertilisers, and which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes.
The developments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with concerns growing over disruptions to critical energy and trade routes and their wider global impact.
