Trump widens Iran threat as deadline on Strait of Hormuz looms and allies split on support

President Donald Trump has widened his threat against Iran as a deadline over the Strait of Hormuz approaches, sharpening the divide between U.S. pressure and the more cautious posture of allies.

AP reported on April 6 that Trump expanded the warning to include Iran’s power plants and bridges, while keeping pressure on Tehran to reopen the strait to all shipping traffic. In the same reporting, Trump also repeated criticism of NATO allies, saying securing the waterway was not for the United States alone.

The latest comments add to a run of escalating rhetoric. On March 31, AP reported that Trump said securing the Strait of Hormuz was not America’s job and blamed allies for not doing more. CBS News had earlier reported a 48-hour ultimatum tied to reopening the strait.

Allies, meanwhile, have continued to signal support for the principle of safe passage without committing to a direct military role. Seven U.S. allies backed a political statement on March 19 supporting potential coalition planning, but Axios said the statement did not include a firm pledge to send ships or other assets. On April 3, AP reported that France and South Korea said they would work together to help reopen the strait.

The United Nations has also urged restraint. On April 2, the UN secretary-general called for diplomacy, respect for freedom of navigation and de-escalation in the Middle East.

The immediate question is whether Iran responds before the deadline and whether Washington follows through on the expanded threats if it does not.