In a Truth Social post, Trump declared, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!” He referenced the critical shipping lane, which has been blocked by Iran since the US and Israel initiated attacks over a month ago.
Trump’s post further urged, “Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!” He concluded with the phrase, “Praise be to Allah.”
Later that day, Trump specified a deadline in another post: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!” The White House did not clarify if this indicated a planned US attack on Iran.
These threats emerged following a 48-hour rescue mission for two US pilots in Iran, during which Trump mentioned that one pilot was “seriously wounded” and a “highly respected Colonel.”
Trump described the rescue as an “Easter Miracle” in a message to NBC News’ “Meet the Press” before heading to his Washington golf club. He emphasized the unprecedented nature of such a rescue in hostile territory.
In at least seven interviews on Sunday, Trump reiterated his threats toward Iran, seeking concessions. On Fox News, he suggested that negotiations were underway and a deal might be struck by Monday, failing which he would “take” Iran’s oil. On ABC News, Trump predicted the conflict could be resolved in days, not weeks, but warned of severe measures if not resolved.
Trump announced an upcoming Monday news conference with the US military from the Oval Office.
Last week, Trump mentioned plans for aggressive strikes on Iran over the next two to three weeks, claiming strategic objectives in the war were near completion. Despite his claims of Iran’s willingness to negotiate, the Iranian leadership has not shown compliance.
On Sunday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threatened to intensify attacks on US economic interests if civilian targets in Iran continue to be attacked.
TRUMP FOCUSES ON IRAN INFRASTRUCTURE
Trump’s Easter threats targeting Iranian infrastructure follow prior warnings to target desalination plants, which experts argue could breach international humanitarian law.
US House Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford, an Arkansas Republican and US Army veteran, commented on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” advising Iran against underestimating Trump, stating, “He has a lot of backbone, and he’s not going to be dissuaded.”
Conversely, Trump’s rhetoric faced criticism for being excessive. US Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, called for Trump to “please dial back the rhetoric,” labeling it “embarrassing and juvenile” on “Meet the Press.”
Former US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, urged members of Trump’s administration to seek divine forgiveness and intervene in what she described as Trump’s “madness.”
The Council of American-Islamic Relations expressed concern over Trump’s use of religious language in a threatening context, viewing it as a troubling trend of weaponizing religion while disparaging Islam.
Since the onset of the conflict over a month ago, 13 US service members have died, and hundreds have been injured. Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, vital for global oil transport, has caused oil and gasoline prices to surge significantly. The average US gasoline price reached $4.11 per gallon, according to AAA, up from below $3 prior to the strikes.
US Representative Jake Auchincloss, a Massachusetts Democrat and US Marine Corps veteran, noted on “Fox News Sunday” that Iran’s control over the Strait is strategically more crucial than its nuclear ambitions. He added that while the US excels in military operations, “strategically, this war has been a failure.”
