President Trump warned that the United States will target Iranian power plants and bridges if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by a Monday night deadline, escalating tensions in an already volatile regional conflict.

In a social media post Sunday, Trump said Tuesday would be “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day” in Iran if the waterway remains closed, issuing a blunt ultimatum tied to one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.

The Strait of Hormuz, effectively shut down by Iran amid ongoing hostilities, serves as a vital corridor for global energy shipments. Its closure has disrupted trade, driven up fuel prices, and intensified pressure on international markets.

Trump also announced plans to hold a Monday news conference following the rescue of two U.S. service members whose aircraft were downed inside Iran. He described one as “seriously wounded” but stable after a high-risk recovery operation deep in mountainous terrain.

The threats come as the conflict, sparked by joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran in late February, continues to escalate. Iran has shot down multiple U.S. aircraft, including an F-15E Strike Eagle and another military plane believed to be an A-10 attack aircraft, underscoring the ongoing risks of the campaign.

Iranian officials have responded with warnings of retaliation, threatening to target U.S. military infrastructure across the region if additional strikes hit civilian or economic facilities. State media has also claimed multiple U.S. aircraft were destroyed during recent operations, though some reports indicate certain losses were due to technical failures.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further escalation. Regional actors, including Oman, Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey, are working to broker talks aimed at reopening the strait and establishing a ceasefire framework.

The stakes remain high. Beyond the military confrontation, the conflict has already killed thousands, disrupted key global shipping routes, and raised concerns about broader regional instability, including potential attacks on other strategic waterways such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

With the deadline approaching, the situation is poised at a critical juncture between escalation and diplomacy.