President Trump early Sunday issued a profanity-laden warning to Iran, saying U.S. forces will target power plants and bridges if the Islamic republic does not open the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.
Mr. Trump has issued several stark warnings to Tehran in recent days about the looming consequences if the strait remains closed. But Sunday’s message was especially colorful.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social. “There will be nothing like it!!! Open the [F——-] Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell — JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. “
Iran has effectively closed the strait to commercial traffic since the start of the U.S. military campaign in late February. The narrow waterway is a crucial maritime corridor for moving goods out of the Persian Gulf, especially oil. About 20% of the world’s oil flows through the strait. Its closure has driven rapidly rising fuel prices around the world.
On March 26, Mr. Trump gave Iran 10 days to open the strait or face strikes against power plants and bridges across the country. Such strikes would be a significant escalation by U.S. forces, which so far have mostly targeted Iranian military infrastructure and production capacity associated with ballistic missiles, though one strike last week targeted Iran’s Karaj bridge.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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