Kamal Ghorui
Iran on Saturday rejected US President Donald Trump’s ’48-hour ultimatum’, in which he threatened to destroy the nation’s essential infrastructure if a deal is not reached within the stipulated time.Tehran’s central military command issued a strong response, with General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters characterising the American president’s remarks as ‘a helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action.’Echoing the tone of Trump’s own message, he stated that “the simple meaning of this message is that the gates of hell will open for you,” according to AFP.
What did Trump say earlier?
Trump on Saturday in his Truth Social post warned Tehran of severe military consequences if Iran fails to act on reopening the Strait of Hormuz or reaching an agreement.The US President had earlier imposed deadlines on Iran amid rising tensions in West Asia, particularly over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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 rain down on them. Glory be to GOD! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”The latest ultimatum comes despite recent indications of diplomatic engagement between the two sides.On March 26, Trump announced a temporary pause on potential strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure. He had said the decision was taken following what he described as a request from Tehran, while maintaining that talks were progressing positively.In that statement, Trump said: “As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media and others, they are going very well.”Also Read | ‘Hell will rain down’: Trump’s fresh 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to make a deal or open HormuzPrior to this, he had also directed the US Department of War to delay possible strikes initially for five days, citing ongoing negotiations.The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the standoff, as it is one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.Trump’s repeated warnings have focused on reopening the strategic passage, with earlier ultimatums also linking failure to comply with potential strikes on Iran’s energy facilities.
