United States President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or risk military strikes targeting its energy infrastructure.
The warning comes amid escalating tensions in the region, as Tehran reportedly launched one of its most intense attacks yet on Israel, further deepening the ongoing conflict.
Trump’s ultimatum was issued less than 24 hours after he indicated he might consider scaling back military operations following three weeks of hostilities. Despite that earlier stance, the latest development signals a sharp escalation in Washington’s position.
The situation is compounded by the continued disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route, which has remained largely inaccessible. At the same time, additional US Marines are being deployed to the Middle East as part of a broader military buildup.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iran’s energy facilities, beginning with its largest power plant, if the strait is not fully reopened within the specified 48-hour window, set to expire at 23:44 GMT on Monday.
Responding to the threat, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that restrictions were only placed on vessels from countries involved in attacks against Iran. He added that Tehran would continue to support shipping operations for nations that remain neutral in the conflict.
However, Iran signaled a firm stance against US pressure. According to reports by the Fars news agency, the country’s military warned it would target American and allied infrastructure in the region if hostilities escalate further.
The developments underscore growing fears of a wider regional conflict, with global energy markets and international shipping routes facing significant uncertainty.
