Trump Ultimatum Looms Over Iran Strait Blockade

As the deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump approached on Tuesday evening, Iran vowed severe retaliation against American and allied energy infrastructure if Washington targeted its civilian facilities, intensifying a conflict that has gripped the Middle East for six weeks. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, warned that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again" unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping route through which nearly one-fifth of global oil flows. The ultimatum, set for 8 p.m. EDT, came amid escalating strikes and diplomatic maneuvering to avert broader war.

The Strait of Hormuz has been blockaded by Iran since late February, disrupting oil exports and driving up global prices, which has fueled economic uncertainty and raised recession fears. Trump demanded full reopening, threatening strikes on Iranian bridges and power plants after pausing such actions earlier in the conflict. U.S. and Israeli forces intensified operations on Tuesday, hitting military targets on Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export terminal, including radar stations, bunkers and air defenses, while sparing oil infrastructure to limit immediate...