Trump Issues Final Ultimatum to Iran: “Power Plant Day” Looms as Deadline Nears
By The 17 Report | April 7, 2026 | 2-minute read
WASHINGTON — With less than 12 hours remaining until his self-imposed deadline, President Donald Trump has doubled down on his threat to unleash devastating U.S. strikes on Iranian infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. ET Tuesday.
Speaking during a lengthy White House press conference on Monday following the successful rescue of two downed U.S. airmen, Trump described an Iranian ceasefire proposal as “not good enough.” He warned that failure to meet the deadline would trigger what he called “power plant day,” with American forces prepared to destroy Iran’s energy grid, bridges, and other key targets in a single night.
“The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,” Trump told reporters. He emphasized that freedom of navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20% of global oil passes — remains a non-negotiable demand.
The escalating rhetoric comes amid a five-week war between U.S.-backed Israeli forces and Iran that has already seen significant military exchanges. Trump praised the daring U.S. rescue mission over the weekend but made clear that diplomacy is running out of time. He has repeatedly dismissed concerns that targeting civilian infrastructure could constitute war crimes, stating he is “not at all” worried about such accusations.
Iranian officials have pushed back, issuing their own proposals while rejecting what they call unacceptable ultimatums. Global oil markets remain on edge, with energy prices spiking on fears of prolonged disruption.
Watch: President Trump’s Full Press Conference on the Iran Crisis (April 6, 2026)
As the clock ticks down, world leaders are watching closely. Trump has signaled he is open to further negotiations but insists the deadline is “final.” Whether a last-minute diplomatic breakthrough occurs — or whether the U.S. follows through on its most aggressive threats yet — will define the coming hours in what has become one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the Middle East in decades.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
