Trump warns Iran: Open Hormuz Strait in 48 hours or face strikes
Trump warned that the United States would launch attacks on Iran’s power plants if the critical oil transit route remains obstructed.
KATHMANDU: Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, demanding it fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face military strikes targeting its power infrastructure.
In a strongly worded message posted on Truth Social, Trump warned that the United States would launch attacks on Iran’s power plants if the critical oil transit route remains obstructed.
He emphasized that strikes would begin with the country’s largest power facility.
The warning follows escalating tensions after reported joint military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb 28.
Since then, Iran has effectively disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.
The narrow waterway—linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and bordered by Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south—handles around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
It serves as a key export route for major Gulf producers including Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Shipping traffic has sharply declined amid rising threats. According to data cited by Agence France-Presse, at least 21 vessels have been attacked or targeted since the conflict began.
The disruption has sent shockwaves through global markets, with crude oil prices surging past $100 per barrel—marking a roughly 70% increase since the start of the year and around 50% higher than last year.
With global energy supplies under strain, Trump’s ultimatum signals a potential escalation toward direct military confrontation, raising fears of a broader regional crisis.
