Donald Trump has threatened to "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants if Tehran does not "fully open" the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, escalating tensions in the region. In a post on Truth Social, the former US president said the United States would target Iran's power plants, starting with the largest, if the strait remains blocked.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, carrying over 20 million barrels of oil per day and a significant volume of liquefied natural gas. Iran has effectively closed the waterway by attacking ships and reportedly laying mines, causing a major crisis in global energy markets and driving up oil prices.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence reported detecting three missiles launched towards Riyadh, one of which was intercepted while two fell in uninhabited areas. Meanwhile, a projectile struck a vessel off the coast of the UAE, though details remain unclear.
The Iranian military's Khatam Al-Anbiya command has warned that if Iran's energy infrastructure is attacked, it will target US energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure in the region. The statement was carried by Fars news agency.
Several Nato members and US allies have pledged to ensure safe passage through the strait, but a joint statement from over a dozen nations did not specify how they would achieve this. Trump has criticised alliance members as "cowards" for not doing more to help open the waterway.
Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi announced that one of two Japanese nationals detained in Iran has been released and will return to Japan. The other detainee remains in custody, and Motegi said he is working for an early release.
