Trump threatens Iran power strikes as Strait of Hormuz blockade sparks global oil surge

KATHMANDU: U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a direct military warning to Iran, giving the country a 48-hour ultimatum to remove obstacles from the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Trump stated on social media that if Iran fails to comply, U.S. forces will target Iranian power plants, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, a key facility in the country’s energy infrastructure.

The ultimatum comes amid ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which escalated on Feb 28.

Iran has disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply passes.

Following Trump’s warning, Iranian military officials responded sharply, vowing that any attack on power plants would trigger a permanent closure of the strait and retaliation against U.S. military bases and energy infrastructure in the region.

The blockade has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Brent crude oil prices surged to $112 per barrel, while gasoline prices in the U.S. reached four-year highs.

Human rights organizations have warned that attacks on civilian infrastructure could trigger severe humanitarian crises.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged retaliation for a recent Iranian missile strike in southern Israel, which injured more than 100 people.

The world watches closely as tensions mount in one of the most geopolitically sensitive regions, with energy markets and regional security hanging in the balance.