The United States president, Donald Trump, has issued a stark 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding the immediate reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, Mr Trump warned that failure to comply would result in US military strikes targeting Iran’s power infrastructure, including major electricity plants.
The narrow waterway, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, has been severely disrupted amid escalating tensions, contributing to rising global energy prices and fears of wider economic fallout.
Mr Trump said the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants if Tehran did not fully restore shipping access within the deadline, marking a significant escalation and a shift towards threats against civilian-linked infrastructure.
He said:
“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.”
Iranian authorities have responded by warning of retaliation against US and allied interests in the region, raising concerns that the crisis could spread further across the Middle East.
The ultimatum comes amid a broader surge in hostilities involving Iran, Israel and Western forces. Iranian missile strikes have reportedly hit areas near sensitive Israeli facilities, while counterstrikes have targeted sites inside Iran.
There have also been reports of attempted attacks on US and British military positions, highlighting the widening scope of the confrontation.
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