Iran on Saturday rejected US President Donald Trump’s “48-hour deadline” in which he threatened to destroy the country’s essential infrastructure if a deal was not reached on time.The Central Military Command in Tehran issued a strong response, with General Ali Abdullah Aliabadi of the central headquarters of Khatam al-Anbia describing the US President’s statements as “an impotent, nervous, unbalanced and stupid act.”Echoing the tone of Trump’s message, he said, “The simple meaning of this message is that the gates of hell will open for you,” according to Agence France-Presse.
What did Trump say earlier?
On Saturday, in his “Social Truth” post, Trump warned Tehran of dire military consequences if Iran fails to work to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or reach an agreement.The US President had previously imposed deadlines on Iran amid escalating tensions in West Asia, especially over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Remember when you gave Iran ten days to make a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz. Time is running out – 48 hours before all hell rains down on them. Hallelujah! President Donald Trump.”
The latest warning comes despite recent indications of diplomatic communication between the two sides.
On March 26, Trump announced a temporary halt to potential strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure. He said that the decision was taken based on what he described as a request from Tehran, but he stressed that the talks were progressing positively.“At the request of the Iranian government, please let this statement make clear that I will temporarily postpone the power plant demolition period for 10 days until Monday, April 6, 2026 at 8 p.m.,” Trump said in that statement.
Eastern time. “The talks are ongoing, and despite false statements to the contrary by the fake news media and others, they are going very well.”Read also | “Hell will break loose”: Trump’s new 48-hour deadline for Iran to conclude an agreement or open the Strait of HormuzPrior to that, he had also directed the US War Department to initially postpone potential strikes for five days, citing ongoing negotiations.The Strait of Hormuz remains pivotal in the confrontation, because it is one of the most important oil shipping routes in the world.Trump’s repeated warnings have focused on reopening the strategic corridor, with previous ultimatums also linking failure to comply with potential strikes on Iranian energy facilities.
He watches
‘Strait of Hormuz still closed’: Iran challenges Trump to ‘forever war’ and laughs at 48-hour Hormuz deadline
