Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran Ahead of Deadline on Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran on Saturday via Truth Social, referencing a prior 10-day deadline for Iran to make a deal or reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that 48 hours remained before consequences would follow. The post read: “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT.

Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, serving as a key chokepoint for one-fifth of the world's oil supply. The U.S. set the Monday deadline independently. The conflict between the U.S. and Iran began in late February, involving U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets.

On Friday, Iranian forces shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle over Iranian territory, marking the first known instance of an American aircraft downed inside the country since the conflict started. Two crew members ejected from the plane. A U.S. official reported that U.S. forces rescued one service member, while the status of the second remains unknown.

U.S. forces conducted a search-and-rescue mission for the missing service member. During the operation, a U.S. Air Force UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and a second search-and-rescue helicopter were struck but managed to escape, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, commented on the incident on Friday. He stated that the downing of the aircraft occurred one day after President Trump claimed in a primetime address that the U.S. had eliminated Iran's anti-aircraft capabilities.

“And now, just a day after he told the entire world –– all the American people –– that they had successfully taken out all of Iran’s anti-aircraft capability, they’ve shot not just one but two aircraft out of the sky.”

President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have stated that the U.S. has achieved aerial dominance and degraded Iran's military capabilities. In a Wednesday address, Trump said: “Their air force is gone. Their missiles are just about used up or beaten.

” He indicated that the U.S. is close to achieving its military objectives under Operation Epic Fury.

Iranian leaders have responded critically. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf posted on X on Friday, referencing U.S. efforts to locate pilots. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi commented on a U.S. strike on the B1 bridge in north-central Iran on Thursday, stating that it would not compel Iran to surrender.

Araghchi wrote on X: “It only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray. Every bridge and building will be built back stronger. What will never recover: damage to America’s standing.” Iranian officials have vowed to continue retaliatory actions against U.S. and Israeli attacks.

Trump has increased pressure on Iran to negotiate a peace deal, mentioning potential targets including bridges and electrical infrastructure if negotiations fail. In a Wednesday interview with The Telegraph, Trump expressed frustration with European allies' reluctance to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

He stated that U.S. membership in NATO was “beyond reconsideration” and described NATO as a “paper tiger,” noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin shares this view.

The conflict affects global oil markets due to the Strait's role in shipping. U.S. service members face risks from ongoing operations, and diplomatic tensions with allies could influence NATO relations. Future developments may include further U.S. military actions or Iranian responses ahead of the Monday deadline.