Iran Re-Closes Strait of Hormuz; Trump Threatens to Destroy Iran's Power Plants and Bridges

Iran re-closed the Strait of Hormuz on April 19, 2026, turning back two LPG tankers and effectively paralyzing commercial shipping through the critical waterway, citing US 'breaches of trust' just two days after declaring it 'completely open.' Trump responded with an escalatory ultimatum, threatening that the United States would 'knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran' if a comprehensive deal is not reached before the April 22 ceasefire expiration deadline. Trump also posted that the US blockade costs Iran '$500 Million Dollars a day.' Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned that gasoline prices — currently averaging $4.05 nationally, up from $2.98 before the Iran conflict began in February — may not fall below $3/gallon until 2027. Two-thirds of Americans continue to disapprove of Trump's handling of the Iran war, while his overall approval stands at 37%.