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U.S. President Donald Trump predicted "total decimation" of Iran if Tehran does not comply with his 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran insists that the strait is not closed and that ships hesitate because insurers fear the "war of choice" launched by the U.S. and Israel.
"Strait of Hormuz is not closed. Ships hesitate because insurers fear the war of choice you initiated—not Iran," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on X.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also stated that he is "absolutely convinced" the alliance will be able to reopen the waterway.
"You're gonna find out soon. It's gonna be very good," Trump told Israel's Channel 13 when asked about the outcome of his ultimatum.
He also told Channel 13 that the result would be "total destruction in Iran" if Tehran does not comply.
Asked about Araghchi's statements that the strait is not closed, Trump responded dismissively to NewsNation: "Let’s see whether or not he’s right."
Trump also renewed his criticism of NATO allies, saying they were "not doing anything" and labeling them "cowards" and "paper tigers."
He recently called the alliance "a paper tiger" without the United States.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pushed back against Trump's criticism, saying European allies and partners have spent the past weeks coming together to plan a collective response.
"European allies and partners all over the world have used the last couple of weeks to make sure that we come together, to start planning to see what we can do collectively as allies, as partners of the United States," Rutte told Fox News, describing the U.S. operation as "crucial" given the "existential threat" posed by Iran.
In a separate interview with CBS News's Face the Nation, Rutte asked for "understanding" from Trump on allied reluctance.
"I'm absolutely convinced, and I understand the president's frustration that it takes some time, but again, I also ask for some understanding, because nations had to prepare for this, not knowing and for good reasons about the initial attack on Iran, but now coming together to make sure that we can be able to secure the Strait of Hormuz," he said.
The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the UK issued a joint statement on March 19 expressing readiness "to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait."
Araghchi rejected claims that Iran has closed the strait. "Strait of Hormuz is not closed. Ships hesitate because insurers fear the war of choice you initiated—not Iran," he wrote on X.
"No insurer—and no Iranian—will be swayed by more threats. Try respect," he said, adding that, "Freedom of Navigation cannot exist without Freedom of Trade. Respect both—or expect neither."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry also said in a statement on X that the strait is "not blocked," but added that vessels "belonging to the aggressor parties cannot be considered as normal and non-hostile passage, and will be dealt with in accordance with the legal framework arising from the conflict as well as the decisions and measures of the competent Iranian authorities."
Iran also warned Sunday that it would strike all U.S. and Israeli energy, IT and desalination infrastructure across the region if its own facilities came under attack.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke by phone Sunday with Trump, with both leaders agreeing that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is "essential" to restoring stability in global energy markets, according to a statement from Downing Street.
The call focused on the situation in the Middle East and the need to resume global shipping through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively disrupted since early March.
Around 20 million barrels of oil normally pass through it daily, and the disruption has driven up shipping costs and pushed global oil prices higher.
U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began Feb. 28 and have reportedly killed at least 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
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