Iran War: Trump Sees ‘Good Chance’ of Deal, Warns of ‘Hell’

Donald Trump, the U.S. president, issued threats of bombing Iran to ‘Hell’ while asserting a potential opportunity for a ceasefire agreement. The remarks followed the rescue of a second American airman, as reported by DW. Here are the key updates from the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran on April 5:

OPEC+ Concerns Over Energy Disruptions

The OPEC+ oil coalition stated that repairing damage to energy infrastructure from the ongoing Middle East tensions is ‘both expensive and time-consuming.’ This statement, made after alliance leaders met, is expected to amplify global worries about energy stability. The month-long clash between the U.S. and Iran has significantly disrupted oil and gas flows from the Persian Gulf. Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, has raised fears of supply shortages in several oil-dependent nations.

“The critical importance of securing international maritime routes to maintain energy flow cannot be overstated,” the coalition emphasized. They also agreed to increase oil output for May by 206,000 barrels per day. However, the effectiveness of this decision remains uncertain, as the war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have strained the group’s production capabilities.

Trump’s Ultimatum and Internet Blackout

Netblocks noted that Iran’s internet shutdown has now reached 37 straight days, setting a new record for the longest nationwide disruption. The group stated that the blackout has ‘exceeded all prior comparable incidents in severity,’ despite some countries experiencing longer but less comprehensive outages. Iran severed internet access on February 28, the day the conflict with the U.S. and Israel began. Only a few authorized individuals have retained global connectivity since, with others attempting to bypass the block via VPNs or Starlink, though this is punishable by imprisonment.

Trump reiterated his threat to strike Iran’s power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed past his Monday deadline. ‘Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, all wrapped together in one,’ he wrote on his social media platform, adding ‘Praise be to Allah.’ This follows a similar warning two weeks prior, which he later extended after mediators claimed progress in talks. Tehran has yet to show signs of compromise, continuing to launch missiles and drones at U.S. targets and energy infrastructure in the Gulf region.

Before the war, Iran had already endured large-scale internet outages during anti-government protests. The current blackout underscores the nation’s strategic use of communication control amid the conflict. As tensions escalate, the outcome of negotiations—and the fate of the strait—remains a focal point for global energy markets.