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US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or face sweeping military consequences targeting its energy infrastructure.
In a strongly worded post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared: “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURs the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!”
The ultimatum follows Iran’s closure of the strategic waterway in response to a joint US-Israel offensive that began on February 28.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, handling nearly 20 per cent of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments during peacetime. Its shutdown has already triggered a chain reaction across global markets.
Countries heavily dependent on Gulf energy exports have begun scrambling for alternative supply routes while tapping into emergency reserves. The disruption has pushed fuel prices higher worldwide, increasing pressure on governments already managing fragile economic conditions and rising inflation risks.
Earlier on Saturday, the US military confirmed it had struck an Iranian bunker believed to house weapons capable of threatening oil and gas shipments in the region. The announcement appeared aimed at reassuring global markets and allied nations concerned about the stability of energy supplies.
Meanwhile, more than 20 countries have issued a joint statement backing efforts to reopen the Strait, underscoring the international urgency to prevent further disruption. With the deadline ticking, global attention remains fixed on Tehran’s next move and whether diplomacy can avert a deeper crisis.
