President Donald Trump has issued a sharp new warning to Iran, saying the country has “only 24 hours” to comply with U.S. demands or face what he described as potentially “one of the most devastating air strikes ever seen.”
The statement came in a video clip circulating online, where Trump linked the ultimatum to the ongoing standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route that has become a central flashpoint in the 2026 U.S.-Iran conflict.
According to the message, the deadline centers on Iran reopening or allowing secure passage through the strait, which has been disrupted amid escalating military tensions and maritime confrontations.
The warning arrives during Operation Epic Fury, the broader U.S. military posture in the region that has included naval escorts, heightened air patrols, and repeated diplomatic deadlines tied to de-escalation efforts.
Since March 2026, similar ultimatums have been issued multiple times, often followed by pauses, extensions, or short-lived ceasefires. That pattern has fueled growing skepticism about whether any deadline will lead to immediate military action.
Online reactions to the latest warning were sharply divided.
Critics pointed to what they see as a repeating cycle of threats followed by delay, arguing that the messaging increases volatility without producing a clear diplomatic outcome. Others warned that even the possibility of renewed strikes could further destabilize global markets already strained by uncertainty.
Oil prices have remained sensitive to developments in the region, with traders reacting quickly to any escalation tied to the Strait of Hormuz due to its importance in global energy supply chains.
Supporters of the hardline stance, however, argue that repeated ultimatums are necessary pressure tactics to force compliance and restore shipping stability in the region.
As the 24-hour window begins, uncertainty remains over whether the warning signals imminent action or another pause in a rapidly shifting conflict.