WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has set a Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of sweeping military action against the country’s infrastructure if it fails to comply, as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate.
Trump said the United States had plans to target Iran’s power plants and bridges within hours, underscoring the high stakes surrounding one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
🚨 PRESIDENT TRUMP: Iran has until tomorrow at 8 o’clock to make a deal.
After that, they’re going to have no power plants or bridges. pic.twitter.com/925q6auE9j
— Department of State (@StateDept) April 6, 2026
Trump told a news conference that “the entire country” of Iran “could be taken out in one night and that night might be tomorrow night,” if his ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 0000 GMT Wednesday was not met.
“Every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again,” he said, threatening the same for the country’s bridges. “I mean complete demolition by 12 o’clock (0400 GMT), and it’ll happen over a period of four hours — if we wanted to.”
BREAKING: Trump says US will bomb every bridge and power plant in Iran by 12 AM tomorrow if there’s no deal pic.twitter.com/7wy9pKwZP0
— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) April 6, 2026
Iran’s military said President Donald Trump’s threats were “delusional” and would not compensate for what it described as US “disgrace and humiliation” in the region, according to Iranian media.
Strikes intensify between Israel and Iran
Explosions were reported in Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj as Israeli forces carried out a wave of airstrikes, Iranian media said.
The Israeli military also confirmed activating its air defence systems in response to missiles launched from Iran, signalling continued confrontation.
Civilian casualties reported in Israel
A second Philippine national has been killed after a missile struck a residential building in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, Manila’s foreign affairs department said.
The woman died alongside her Israeli husband and elderly in-laws, while Israeli rescue services confirmed four bodies were recovered from the rubble.
Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missiles
Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles targeting the Kingdom’s eastern region.
Debris from the intercepted missiles fell near power facilities, with authorities assessing potential damage.
Deadly incidents in Iraqi Kurdistan
In Iraq’s Kurdistan region, a drone reportedly originating from Iran struck a home, killing a couple.
Explosions were also heard near Erbil airport, which hosts personnel from the US-led coalition, while air defences intercepted four missiles targeting the US consulate.
Hormuz crisis drives global oil concerns
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the crisis after Iran effectively restricted the waterway following US-Israeli strikes in late February.
The disruption has driven a surge in global oil and gas prices, raising concerns over energy supply stability.
UN vote on Hormuz resolution
The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution calling on Iran to halt attacks on commercial vessels and ensure freedom of navigation.
However, the draft stops short of authorising force after objections from some permanent members.
War of words escalates
An Iranian army spokesperson dismissed US threats as “rude” and “arrogant,” stating they would not influence Tehran’s actions.
Trump, meanwhile, reiterated that Iran could face extensive infrastructure strikes if the deadline is not met.
US details high-risk rescue mission
US officials revealed that more than 170 aircraft and hundreds of personnel were involved in an operation to rescue two airmen shot down over Iran, highlighting the scale of ongoing military engagement.
Diplomatic efforts continue
US President Donald Trump on Monday said that Vice President JD Vance, US Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are talking with intermediaries in Pakistan to end the ongoing war with Iran.
During a news conference at the White House, the US President was asked by a reporter whether he expected Vance to continue talks with intermediaries in Pakistan, to which Trump replied: “Well, he is, and we have Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner talking. They’re all unified, and they’re all talking.”
Asked about the possibility of Vance being part of an in-person meeting, Trump said, “Could be.”
Humanitarian concerns grow
International Committee of the Red Cross chief Mirjana Spoljaric warned that “deliberate threats… against essential civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities must not become the new norm in warfare.”
“Any war fought without limits is incompatible with the law,” she said, without singling out any country or leader.
Trump, asked about potentially committing war crimes by attacking civilian infrastructure, said “I’m not worried about it.” He argued an Iran with “a nuclear weapon” would be worse.
