US President Donald Trump has given Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its energy infrastructure, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump warned that the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants if the key shipping route remains closed. He said the deadline would expire late Monday.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil passage, has been largely blocked by Iran, disrupting shipping and pushing crude prices above $100 per barrel.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said restrictions only apply to vessels from countries involved in attacks against Tehran. He added that neutral states would still receive assistance.
Iran’s military responded to the US warning by threatening to target energy and water infrastructure linked to American interests and its allies in the region.
The ultimatum came hours after Iran launched one of its most damaging attacks on Israel since the war began. Missile strikes hit southern cities, including Dimona and Arad, injuring more than 100 people and causing heavy damage to residential areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a strong response, promising action “on all fronts”. Israeli forces later carried out fresh strikes on Tehran.
Iran said the attacks were retaliation for earlier strikes on its nuclear facilities, including Natanz. The country’s Revolutionary Guard said it also targeted military sites across the region.
The conflict, now in its fourth week, has spread beyond Israel and Iran. Reports say Iran attempted a long-range missile strike on a joint US-UK base in the Indian Ocean, though it failed.
Meanwhile, the US is deploying more Marines to the Middle East, raising fears of a wider military operation.
Global concern is growing as the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz threatens energy supplies. Several countries, including the UK, France and Germany, have condemned the blockade and called for safe passage through the route.
Analysts say Iran has shown resilience despite sustained airstrikes, maintaining its ability to launch attacks across the region.
With tensions rising and the deadline set, attention is now on whether diplomacy can prevent further escalation.
