President Donald Trump used his Truth Social account on Easter Sunday (April 5, 2026) to issue a vulgar ultimatum to Iran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday, April 7, or face sweeping U.S. airstrikes targeting the country's power plants and bridges. The post, quickly picked up by major media outlets, raised fresh fears of a supply shock in global oil markets.
Easter Ultimatum: Open Strait by Tuesday or Face Destruction
Trump’s full post read: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F**kin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.” The threat escalates the ongoing conflict known as Operation Epic Fury. The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 20% of the world's oil supply. Iran has blocked or severely disrupted shipping through the waterway in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes that began in late February 2026. Previous ultimatums from Trump have passed without full Iranian compliance.
Admitting Arming Protesters: Weapons Sent via Kurdish Channels
In a separate Fox News interview conducted around the same time, Trump confirmed that the U.S. had covertly sent weapons to anti-regime Iranian protesters earlier in 2026. “We sent guns to the protesters, a lot of them,” Trump told correspondent Trey Yingst. “We sent them through the Kurds. And I think the Kurds kept them.” He also claimed that Iranian security forces killed approximately 45,000 demonstrators during suppressed protests earlier this year. Kurdish forces, which control territory along Iran’s border, have served as a logistics channel for various U.S. operations in the region.
Diplomatic Possibility or Full Escalation: Trump Says He May 'Blow Everything Up and Take Over the Oil'
Despite the extreme threat, Trump stated during the Fox interview that there is a “good chance” of a diplomatic deal with Iran by Monday, April 6. However, he warned that if no quick agreement is reached, the U.S. may “blow everything up and take over the oil.” He mentioned limited amnesty for Iranian negotiators. U.S. and Israeli forces have already struck Iranian naval assets, air force installations, missile sites, and military leadership targets. Iran has responded with missiles, drones, and the continued closure of the Strait. Reports from inside Iran cite regime instability, including the deaths of senior leadership figures and a new president reportedly seeking a ceasefire.