The remarks come as global oil prices have surged amid fears over disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply flows.

Earlier on Friday, Trump had also suggested that the US could withdraw from the ongoing conflict without ensuring stability in the waterway.

'Hormuz will be policed by others, not US'

"The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not," Trump wrote, indicating a shift in approach toward responsibility for securing the passage.

Truth Social post warns Iran

In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Iran to guarantee free and safe passage through the strategic route, which has faced disruptions since the escalation of hostilities involving the US, Israel, and Iran's counterattacks.

"If Iran doesn't fully open, without threat, the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first," he said.

US eases some sanctions on Iranian oil

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto ships as of Friday.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the waiver could release around 140 million barrels into global markets, helping ease pressure on energy supplies.

Conflict enters a more volatile phase

The warning comes as the conflict enters a more dangerous stage, with reports that Iranian forces have fired long-range missiles for the first time since hostilities began. Israeli officials said this development expands the potential geographic reach of the conflict beyond the Middle East.

Long-range missile strikes raise concerns

According to military officials, Iran has launched ballistic missiles with ranges of up to 4,000 kilometres, capable of reaching distant targets. The Israeli military described this as the first known use of such long-range missiles since US-Israel strikes began on February 28. Officials warned that such capabilities place several major European capitals within range.

Separately, Iranian and US-Israeli forces reportedly carried out strikes on the Shahid Ahmadi-Roshan Natanz enrichment facility on Saturday morning, further intensifying the conflict.