Trump threatens strikes on Iranian infrastructure same day Pope Leo appeals for peace April 5, 2026By Kate Scanlon OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News President Donald Trump on Easter threatened major strikes on Iran’s energy and transportation infrastructure if its leaders do not cooperate with his demand to open the Strait of Hormuz. The post came the same day Pope Leo XIV made a passionate appeal for peace during his comments from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica after offering Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square. In an expletive-laden post on his social media website Truth Social, Trump said, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!” The post, which came just hours after officials announced the successful rescue of the U.S. airman shot down in Iran, said if they do not open the strait, “you’ll be living in Hell.” “JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah,” the post said. Targeting civilian infrastructure would generally be considered a war crime under international law. The U.S. and Israel carried out combat operations against Iran Feb. 28 that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other key Iranian political and military officials in the war’s beginning. Trump has argued the regime presented grave threats, and pointed to “the specter of nuclear blackmail” in an April 1 address about the conflict from the White House. In response, Iran effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil trade route, by striking ships there. The closure of the strait has led to a significant spike in energy costs, which polls suggest is a factor in souring public opinion on the conflict among U.S. adults. Polls conducted throughout the first month of the conflict — dubbed Operation Epic Fury — show that most U.S. adults are opposed to it. Meanwhile, in his Easter comments, the pope repeated the word peace 13 times, stating that the peace the risen Christ offers “is not merely the silence of weapons, but the peace that touches and transforms the heart of each one of us.” “Let us allow ourselves to be transformed by the peace of Christ! Let us make heard the cry for peace that springs from our hearts!” he said. read more conflict in the middle east At peace vigil, Archbishop Lori condemns threats of ‘obliterating’ a civilization Pope decries horror, inhumanity that ‘some adults boast of with pride’ Vatican says report Pentagon officials lectured its ambassador about Pope Leo ‘completely untrue’ USCCB chairman calls on Trump to back peace, humanitarian aid for Lebanon after massive strikes Nuncio to Lebanon says war ‘is not the right path,’ calls for ceasefire Pentagon disputes report senior officials lectured Vatican diplomat about Pope Leo Copyright © 2026 OSV News Print
