Trump Threatens Iran: Will Strike Power Plants If Strait of Hormuz Blockade Is Not Lifted. On the 22nd, Reuters reported that U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Saturday that if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, the United States will “destroy” Iran’s power plants. This incident marks a significant escalation of the situation, coming just one day after he had spoken of “gradually ending” the war. Trump stated on social media: “If Iran does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz—without posing any threats—within 48 hours from now, the United States of America will strike and destroy its various power plants, starting with the largest ones first!”