President Trump posted an expletive-filled ultimatum on social media Sunday morning, saying he would strike Iranian power plants and bridges on Tuesday unless the Strait is reopened. In the message he wrote, “Open the F*****’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell,” attracting immediate attention and condemnation.
Shortly after the post, the president left for his Virginia golf club. Iranian officials responded swiftly: parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called the threats reckless on X, warning that “You won’t gain anything through war crimes.” An Iranian government spokesman said Tehran would reopen the waterway only after receiving compensation for war damages.
Back in Washington, lawmakers and analysts criticized both the tone and the lack of a clear plan behind the president’s post. Some said the profanity and threats were unbefitting a commander in chief; others argued the message offered no coherent rationale or strategy. Former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene labeled the president “insane.” By contrast, retired U.S. Central Command chief Frank McKenzie told Face the Nation that Iranian leaders would be prudent to take the warnings seriously, saying the president has shown a willingness to act.
Observers also noted that the demand to reopen the strait seems to conflict with earlier comments by the president suggesting the U.S. should avoid becoming engaged in fighting over the waterway. The post and the administration’s stance have prompted bipartisan concern about the risk of escalation and the possible consequences of military action. Taurean Small reported from the White House.