U.S. President Donald Trump has set a new deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on energy plants and bridges, saying Tehran has until Tuesday evening.
Trump made the remarks in an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Sunday. He later posted on social media with no other details: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!”
Representatives for the White House could not be immediately reached for comment on the post.
Rescue Mission and Threats
Earlier on Sunday, Trump announced that U.S. special forces had rescued an airman in a high‑risk mission deep inside Iran. The airman was wounded, but Trump said he would “be just fine”.
The president also posted a message full of expletives, threatening Iran to open the Strait, saying: “You crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell — JUST WATCH!”
However, in the kind of mixed messaging Trump has used since the war began, he told Fox News on Sunday that Iran was negotiating, with a deal possible by Monday.
Israeli Pressure
Adding to the pressure, Washington’s ally in the war — Israel — was preparing to attack Iranian energy facilities next week and was awaiting U.S. approval, according to a senior Israeli defence official.
Video posted on Saturday showed heavy smoke that was likely the aftermath of an Israeli strike on an Iranian petrochemical plant, though Reuters could not independently identify when it was filmed.
Meanwhile, Iran showed it could still launch cross‑border attacks and struck infrastructure in the Gulf.
Missile Strike in Haifa
In Israel’s northern city of Haifa, search‑and‑rescue teams were combing through debris after an Iranian missile hit a residential building. Israeli paramedics said nine people were being treated for shrapnel and blast injuries.
Tehran is demanding an end to hostilities, and its parliamentary speaker condemned Trump’s threats on Sunday, saying he was being misled by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Based on reporting by Reuters. Additional analysis by Credibility News.
