In Short:
– Iran rejected Trump’s ultimatum, labelling it a nervous and foolish action amid ongoing tensions.
– Attacks on Gulf infrastructure escalated, causing significant damage and casualties in multiple locations.
Iran has rejected President Donald Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face destruction of its infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities.General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi dismissed the threat, characterising it as a “helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action.”
Strikes escalate tensions
Iran has intensified drone and missile strikes targeting Gulf energy infrastructure throughout the week.
In the UAE, a missile interception led to a fire at the Habshan gas processing facility, halting operations.
An Egyptian resident was reported dead and four others injured during the evacuation process.
Emirates Global Aluminium’s Al Taweelah complex suffered substantial damage, prompting an emergency shutdown.
CEO Abdulnasser Bin Kalban expressed deep concern over the attack and estimated a full restoration of aluminium production could take up to 12 months.
Authorities in Dubai confirmed that debris from an interception struck an Oracle building but caused no injuries.
In Bahrain, minor injuries were reported among citizens along with damage to several homes from intercepted drones.
Kuwait has announced Iranian strikes targeted a power and water desalination facility and the Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery, marking the third assault on the facility.
Iran targets Israel
Iran continues strikes against Israel as part of its Operation True Promise 4 campaign.
The IDF reported engaging in defence as missiles hit central and southern Israel.
Iranian state media claims attacks were successful against military sites in Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The US is working to locate a crew member missing after Iranian forces downed an F-15E fighter jet.
Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth contend that operations have undermined Iran’s military capabilities.