U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, warning that the United States will target key Iranian power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

In a strongly worded post on Truth Social, Trump said that failure to ensure safe and unrestricted passage through the critical maritime corridor would prompt decisive military action. “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS… the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS,” he wrote, adding that the largest facilities would be targeted first.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply flows, has become a central flashpoint in the escalating confrontation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Any disruption to this route has immediate global consequences, driving up oil prices and raising concerns over economic stability.

Trump also called on U.S. allies and major global economies to take a more active role in securing the vital shipping lane. He argued that while the United States has strategic interests in maintaining stability, other countries are even more directly dependent on the route.

“We don’t use the Strait… Europe needs it, Korea, Japan, China… so they’ll have to get involved,” Trump told reporters, framing the situation as a shared international responsibility rather than solely an American burden.

He described reopening the Strait as “a simple military manoeuvre,” but acknowledged that it would require significant coordination and resources. “You need ships, you need volume,” he said, emphasizing the scale of operations needed to secure the passage.

At the same time, Trump rejected growing international calls for a ceasefire, making clear that Washington intends to continue its military campaign. “You don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side,” he said.

The president also criticized NATO allies for their cautious approach, stating that the alliance had “so far haven’t had the courage” to act decisively. He extended similar criticism to Indo-Pacific partners such as South Korea and Australia, expressing surprise at their reluctance to become more directly involved.

Trump further claimed that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely degraded, asserting that its navy, air force, and air defense systems have been largely neutralized, and that key leadership figures have been eliminated.

The warning marks a significant escalation in rhetoric, heightening fears that the conflict could expand further with serious global economic and security implications.