In Short:
– Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face consequences.
– Iran threatened retaliation and warned against attacks on its infrastructure.
President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran demanding it reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face consequences, as the conflict enters its sixth week.Iran dismissed the warning, vowing that “the gates of hell” would open if the U.S. followed through.
Ultimatum given
Trump warned on Truth Social that Iran’s infrastructure could be targeted if it does not comply by the deadline on Monday.
Iran’s military command strongly rejected the ultimatum, characterising it as an irrational act.
General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi threatened retaliation against U.S. and Israeli interests if attacks on Iranian infrastructure occurred.
The war has expanded beyond Iran, affecting the entire region since it began on February 28.
Iran responded to airstrikes by closing the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for global oil and gas transit.
Kuwait suffered damage from Iranian missile strikes, impacting key infrastructure.
The UAE intercepted numerous missiles and drones directed at its territory, while Iranian missiles have struck civilian areas in Israel.
Nuclear risk highlighted
International concerns about Iran’s nuclear sites have escalated due to ongoing strikes in the region.
The IAEA confirmed that a projectile hit near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, killing a security staff member.
WHO’s Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that a strike could trigger a nuclear accident with devastating health impacts.
Russia’s Rosatom evacuated 198 employees from the Bushehr facility following the incident.
Over 1,340 people have died in Iran since the conflict began, with casualties rising across the Gulf and surrounding areas.