President Trump posted a profanity-laced ultimatum on social media Sunday morning, warning Iran that he would “hit Iranian power plants and bridges” on Tuesday if the Strait is not reopened. In the post he wrote, “Open the F*****’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell,” drawing immediate attention.
The president visited his Virginia golf club shortly after posting the message. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf responded on X, calling the threats reckless and saying, “You won’t gain anything through war crimes.” An Iranian spokesman said the strait would be reopened only after Tehran receives compensation for war damages.
In Washington, lawmakers and analysts criticized the tone and substance of the president’s post. Some condemned the language as inappropriate for a commander-in-chief; others said the message lacked a clear rationale or plan. Former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called the president “insane.” Former U.S. Central Command chief Frank McKenzie told “Face the Nation” that the Iranians would be well advised to take the threats seriously, arguing the president has shown a willingness to follow through.
The demand to reopen the strait appeared to conflict with earlier remarks by the president suggesting the U.S. should not be involved in fighting over the waterway. The post and the administration’s posture prompted bipartisan concern about escalation and the possible consequences of military action. Taurean Small reported from the White House.