US President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face targeted strikes on its energy infrastructure.
The warning followed Iran’s most intense missile assault yet on Israel, which left over 100 people injured and heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said restrictions on the strait applied only to countries involved in attacks against Tehran, while its military warned it could target US-linked energy facilities in response.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation after missiles struck southern cities including Dimona and Arad, causing significant damage and casualties.
The escalation comes amid continued strikes linked to Iran’s nuclear facilities, including Natanz nuclear facility, raising concerns from the International Atomic Energy Agency over the risk of a nuclear incident.
The closure of the Hormuz route — which carries about a fifth of global oil supply — has already pushed crude prices above $105 per barrel, sparking global economic concerns.
