Trump escalates threats against Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a strong response from Tehran.
United States President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without threats, or the U.S. will attack Iranian power plants. This statement was posted on Truth Social at 23:44 GMT on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, which entered its fourth week.
Trump's Specific Threats
Trump specified that the U.S. would 'obliterate' Iranian power plants starting with the largest one if the strait is not opened. He did not name the specific plant but emphasized the need for unrestricted navigation in the vital waterway, which has seen shipping traffic halt amid the conflict.
Iran's military responded by stating it would target all U.S. energy infrastructure in the region if its own fuel and energy facilities are attacked. This came shortly after Trump's announcement, heightening the risk of further confrontation.
The conflict began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched military actions against Iran during ongoing nuclear negotiations. Trump had previously mentioned on Friday the possibility of winding down the war, but his latest statement indicates continued escalation.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for a fifth of the world's oil and gas, has been disrupted, leading to soaring oil prices and declining stock markets. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that the strait is open to all except U.S. and allied ships, with some vessels from other countries allowed passage.
The U.S. Central Command, led by Admiral Brad Cooper, reported that Iranian capabilities to attack vessels in the strait have been degraded. This followed U.S. strikes that destroyed Iranian antiship cruise missiles, mobile launchers, intelligence sites, and missile radar relays earlier in the week.
Al Jazeera's Manuel Rapalo, reporting from Washington, DC, highlighted a potential gap between Trump's escalation and U.S. military claims of having weakened Iran's threats in the strait.
