Trump Issues Iran 48-Hour Ultimatum on Strait of Hormuz, Threatens Power Plant Strikes

United States President Donald Trump has given Iran a 48-hour deadline to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz or prepare for American strikes on its power plants.

In a Truth Social post late Saturday night, Trump issued the stark warning from his Florida residence. “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” he declared.

NaijaChoice News reports that the ultimatum marks a sharp escalation in the fourth week of the US-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28. The waterway, a vital global oil chokepoint carrying roughly one-fifth of world crude supplies, has been largely blocked since early March, reducing tanker traffic to just a trickle.

Iran has responded swiftly with counter-threats. Tehran warned it will target all US energy infrastructure across the Middle East if American forces strike its power grid. Iranian Revolutionary Guards also said the strait would remain closed until any damaged facilities are rebuilt.

The blockade has already sent global oil prices soaring. Brent crude now trades above $105 per barrel, while Nigerian crude has crossed $110, according to market updates.

For Nigeria, the crisis brings mixed consequences. Local fuel prices have surged, with petrol now selling above ₦1,000 per litre in many cities following hikes by Dangote Refinery and NNPC Limited. Analysts note that higher global crude costs are feeding directly into pump prices despite Nigeria’s own oil exports.

Transportation fares and food costs are climbing nationwide as a result. Industry watchers say the situation could boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings from crude sales but risks worsening inflation and hardship for millions of households.

Trump had earlier described reopening the strait as a “simple military maneuver” that would require naval support. As the deadline ticks, shipping data shows limited movement of neutral vessels only, with full commercial traffic still stalled.

The world now watches to see whether Iran complies or if fresh strikes push oil markets and Nigeria’s economy into deeper turmoil.