U.S. President Donald Trump has given Iran a 48-hour deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face targeted attacks on its energy infrastructure, escalating tensions in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The warning comes as Iran carried out one of its most intense strikes yet on Israel, with missiles hitting southern cities and leaving over 100 people injured.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed a strong response, promising retaliation on multiple fronts.
Iran, however, insists its restrictions on the vital shipping route only affect nations involved in attacks against it, while threatening to strike U.S. and allied infrastructure in the region if provoked further.
The situation has heightened global concerns, as the Strait of Hormuz—a key route for nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply—remains largely blocked, sending crude oil prices soaring and raising fears of wider economic fallout.
Meanwhile, both sides continue exchanging threats and military actions, with analysts warning that the conflict could deepen despite weeks of sustained bombardments.