‘Gates of hell will open’: Iran mocks Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum, warns of devastating retaliation
Iran on Saturday brushed aside an ultimatum from US President Donald Trump, who had warned of severe consequences if Tehran failed to reach a peace deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
Calling the threat “helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid,” Iranian officials said Washington’s warnings reflected desperation rather than strength.
‘Gates of hell will open’
In a sharply worded response, General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters echoed Trump’s own rhetoric, warning the United States of severe consequences.
“The gates of hell will open for you,” he said, cautioning that any attack on Iran’s infrastructure would trigger “devastating and continuous” strikes on U.S. military assets across the Middle East, as well as Israeli targets.
Tehran hints at ‘big surprise’
An Iranian security official, quoted by the Fars news agency, said Tehran is proceeding according to a “specific target bank” and suggested a “big surprise” awaits the United States and Israel.
The official dismissed U.S. threats as “laughable,” claiming they were a response to failed military operations, including the downing of American warplanes.
Deadline extended amid ongoing talks
Trump had initially issued a 10-day deadline to Iran on March 26, later extending the window until April 6, citing ongoing negotiations.
Despite his warning that “all hell” could break loose, he said talks were progressing well and paused potential strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.
The standoff centers on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. Iran has allowed limited transit of humanitarian and essential goods, but tensions remain high.
War enters sixth week
The conflict—triggered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February—has now entered its sixth week, with casualties mounting across the region.
Recent developments include reported U.S. arrests linked to Qassem Soleimani’s family, continued airstrikes, and warnings over potential risks to nuclear facilities such as Bushehr.
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