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Hormuz Ultimatum: Trump Gives Iran 48 Hours to Reopen Strait
By Le Pivot — Iran Monitor · April 5, 2026 · 10 min read
On day 38 of the conflict, the war in Iran enters a critical phase. President Donald Trump has issued an unprecedented ultimatum: Iran has until Tuesday at 8:00 PM Eastern Time to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or the United States will strike the country’s power plants and bridges. Tehran, meanwhile, categorically rejects ceasefire proposals submitted by intermediaries and refuses any direct dialogue as long as U.S.-Israeli strikes continue.
Trump’s Ultimatum: “Power Plant Day”
In a series of incendiary social media posts, President Trump set a precise deadline for Iran. “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day. Open the f***in’ Strait,” he wrote in what American media described as a “vulgar online tirade.” The ultimatum expires Tuesday, April 7 at 8:00 PM Eastern. Trump also announced a press conference to present the rescue of an American pilot whose F-15 had been shot down over Iran — recovered after 48 hours in enemy territory.
Tehran Rejects Ceasefire
Iran has formulated its response to ceasefire proposals submitted by Egyptian, Pakistani, and Turkish envoys, who proposed a 45-day truce and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran called the American proposal “one-sided and unacceptable” and conditions the reopening of the strait on “full compensation” for war damages. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that “still no arrangement for negotiations” exists at this stage, despite Trump’s claims that talks are “going very well.”
Human Toll: 34 Dead Including Six Children
U.S.-Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours killed at least 34 people across Iran, including six children, according to Iranian state media. An Iranian university was bombed as part of intensified operations. On the Israeli side, an Iranian missile struck a residential building in Haifa, killing at least four people. Since the conflict began, at least 19 Israelis and more than 3,000 Iranians have lost their lives.
Revolutionary Guards Intelligence Chief Eliminated
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the death of Majid Khadami, the intelligence chief of the paramilitary organization. This elimination follows that of Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Revolutionary Guards navy — responsible for the strait blockade — announced by the Israeli Defense Minister. U.S. CENTCOM claims to have destroyed 92% of Iran’s largest warships, significantly reducing the country’s naval capacity.
Iranian Strikes on the Gulf: Kuwait and Bahrain Hit
Iran continues its attacks against American allies in the Persian Gulf, striking water, power, and oil facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain. The United Arab Emirates intercepted 15 Iranian missiles and 11 drones, but the death toll in the country has now reached 10. This regional retaliation strategy aims to increase the cost of the war for the coalition while maintaining pressure on global energy markets — oil now hovers around $100-105 per barrel, up 40% since the conflict began.
Human Rights: Child Soldiers and Executions
Amnesty International denounced Iran’s recruitment of children as young as 12 for roles linked to the IRGC, calling these practices a war crime. Meanwhile, Tehran executed two men convicted of attempting to storm a military facility during January’s anti-government protests, signaling that internal repression continues alongside the conflict.
Key Takeaways
Trump’s ultimatum on the Strait of Hormuz marks a potential turning point in the conflict. If Iran does not comply by Tuesday evening, strikes on civilian infrastructure — power plants and bridges — would represent a major escalation with incalculable humanitarian consequences. Tehran’s rejection of Envoy Witkoff’s 15-point peace plan and continued strikes on both sides leave little hope for de-escalation in the near term. Global markets, already rattled by oil above $100 per barrel, are holding their breath.
Sources
- Live updates: Iran rejects temporary ceasefire, as Trump sets deadline for reopening Strait of Hormuz — CNN
- Iran war live: Tehran says response to ceasefire proposals formulated — Al Jazeera
- Iran pushes back against Trump’s deadline — NPR
- Trump extends pause on striking Iranian energy plants; Witkoff floats 15-point peace proposal — CBS News
- Iran war: What is happening on day 37 of US-Israeli attacks? — Al Jazeera
- IDF says Iranian missile fragments hit near Kirya base, Trump gives Iran 48 hours to open Hormuz — The Jerusalem Post
- Iran News in Brief – April 6, 2026 — NCRI