Washington: US President Donald Trump has escalated his threats towards Iran, warning of severe strikes on Iranian infrastructure if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by the evening of April 7. This ultimatum comes shortly after the successful rescue of a missing crew member from a downed F-15 fighter jet.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, Trump communicated his threats via a post on his Truth Social platform, stating, "Tuesday [April 7] will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah." Despite his aggressive rhetoric, Trump also mentioned in a Fox News interview that negotiations with Tehran were ongoing and expressed optimism about reaching an agreement by April 6.
In a dramatic turn of events, Trump announced earlier that US forces had successfully rescued a crew member from an F-15E jet that was downed over Iran on April 3. The operation, described as "miraculous," involved a complex, multi-layered effort by US Special Operations forces. The rescued colonel was transported to a hospital in Kuwait after sustaining injuries.
The rescue was conducted under intense conditions, with US forces engaging Iranian military units actively searching for the downed airman. Despite these challenges, the mission was accomplished without any American casualties, though there were reports of ground fighting and Iranian casualties.
As tensions continue to escalate, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil and natural gas supplies, causing an international energy crisis. Trump has made it clear that failure to reopen the strait by the set deadline will result in extensive US military action against Iranian energy infrastructure.
Iranian military officials have issued conflicting accounts of the US rescue operation, claiming it was completely foiled, though they have not provided substantial evidence to support this claim. Meanwhile, reports confirm that an A-10 Warthog, providing cover for the rescue effort, crashed in Kuwait on April 3, with the pilot safely recovered.
With the deadline looming, the international community watches closely as the situation between the US and Iran remains precarious.