Washington: US President Donald Trump threatened in an expletive-laden social media post to strike Iran's power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened the next day. Following a 48-hour ultimatum he issued, Trump declared on his Truth Social platform that "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!"

According to TRTworld.com, Trump's post included a direct message to Iran, stating, "Open the Fuckin Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH!" He concluded with the phrase, "Praise be to Allah." In addition, Trump announced that the US had executed a rescue operation for a 'seriously wounded, and really brave" F-15 crew member from inside Iran's mountainous terrain.

The President identified the rescued officer as a 'highly respected Colonel,' emphasizing the operation's rarity due to the inherent risks involved. This mission, he noted, was the second of its kind and involved a daring daylight rescue. Trump expressed admiration for the bravery and skill displayed by those involved.

Trump has also scheduled a news conference with the military at the Oval Office. He described the rescue as "one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in US history," and assured that the injured officer "will be just fine." The mission followed an earlier unpublicized rescue of another US pilot.

The backdrop to these events includes heightened regional tensions following a US and Israel joint offensive on Iran that began on February 28, resulting in over 1,340 casualties, including the death of the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes on Israel and several other countries in the region, while also restricting passage through the Strait of Hormuz.