Trump Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, threatening to strike its power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic. This escalation comes as Iranian missile strikes wounded over 100 people in southern Israel on Saturday, marking a significant turn in the ongoing conflict.

Trump’s Ultimatum and Iran’s Response

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump stated that the United States will “hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants – “starting with the biggest one first” – if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened within 48 hours, or by 23:44 GMT on Monday. The Independent and Fox News both reported on the ultimatum.

In response, Iran’s army has vowed to target U.S. And Israeli energy and desalination infrastructure in the region if Trump follows through with the threat, according to state media.

Strait of Hormuz Blockade and Global Oil Prices

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz – a vital trade chokepoint through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil flows – has been significantly disrupted due to Iran’s de facto blockade, implemented after the war began last month. This disruption has led to a surge in oil prices, exceeding $100 a barrel multiple times in recent weeks, and pushing diesel prices above $5 a gallon. Experts warn that rising fuel costs could have a ripple effect on the economy, impacting groceries, shipping, and construction.

Asia’s oil-importing nations are actively seeking alternative sources and negotiating with Tehran to overcome the blockage, with India securing additional liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cargoes. Al Jazeera reports that Japan is focusing on ensuring broad freedom of navigation, although South Korea is closely monitoring the situation.

International Reactions and Concerns

President Trump has criticized NATO allies for declining to assist in securing the waterway, branding them “cowardly.” He has also downplayed concerns about rising fuel costs, stating that “short term oil prices” are “a incredibly small price to pay” for global security.

Iran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all shipping except vessels linked to “Iran’s enemies,” and is ready to cooperate with the International Maritime Organization to improve maritime safety.

Other Developments

Six people were killed in a helicopter crash in Qatar’s territorial waters on Sunday, attributed to a technical malfunction. The Guardian reports that Turkish and Qatari personnel were among the casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed concern that the US focus on the Middle East conflict with Iran could divert attention and resources from Ukraine’s fight against Russia, leading to postponements of trilateral meetings.

Bahrain’s defence force reports intercepting and destroying 246 drones and 145 missiles from Iran since the start of the war.