Washington: Tensions in the Gulf escalated further after US President Donald Trump announced a fresh deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of military action if the key shipping route remains blocked.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump declared “Tuesday, 8:00 PM Eastern Time” as the cutoff, without elaborating on the specifics of his plan. He simultaneously warned that failure to comply could lead to strikes targeting Iran’s critical infrastructure, including power facilities and bridges.
In a strongly worded message, Trump signaled that coordinated attacks could be imminent, dramatically raising the stakes in an already volatile region.
Iran Rejects Ultimatum
Iran swiftly dismissed the ultimatum, with officials branding Trump’s remarks as erratic and reflective of mounting pressure rather than strength.
Escalating the war of words, Iranian military leadership issued a stern counter-warning. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi cautioned that any US attack would trigger “devastating and continuous” retaliation against American military assets across the Middle East, as well as Israeli targets.
He warned that any aggression could open the “gates of hell,” signaling the risk of a wider regional conflict.
High-Stakes Standoff
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global oil transport, remains at the center of the standoff. With both sides issuing threats, fears are growing over potential military escalation and its impact on global energy security.
As the deadline approaches, the situation remains tense, with the possibility of diplomacy narrowing and confrontation looming large.
