US President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a sharp 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, warning Tehran to strike a deal or reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, failing which “all hell will rain down.”
The warning, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform, reinforces an earlier 10-day deadline he had given to the Iranian leadership to make progress in negotiations or restore access to the crucial global shipping lane.
“Time is running out—48 hours before all hell will rain down on them,” Trump said in his post, intensifying pressure amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The development follows Trump’s March 26 announcement to extend a pause on potential strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure by 10 days, until April 6, 2026. He had stated that the pause came at the request of the Iranian government and expressed optimism that talks were progressing positively.
Earlier, Trump had directed delays in military action against Iranian energy sites, citing continuing negotiations even as tensions escalated in West Asia. His warnings have consistently centred on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil shipments.
The latest ultimatum signals a hardening stance despite diplomatic engagement, raising concerns over potential escalation if the deadline is not met.
