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. The ultimatum, posted on Truth Social, comes amid growing pressure on the US to secure the crucial waterway, which Iran has effectively closed by attacking ships and reportedly laying mines.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important trade arteries, carrying over 20 million barrels of oil daily and the bulk of liquefied natural gas shipments. The crisis has sent oil prices soaring and forced some Asian governments, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, to implement fuel conservation measures.
Iran's military has warned it will target US energy infrastructure if its own facilities are attacked. The Khatam Al-Anbiya command stated that all energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure belonging to the US and its allies in the region would be targeted.
Several Nato members and allied nations have pledged to join efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait, but a joint statement from over a dozen countries, including the UK, France, and Germany, did not provide specific details. Trump had earlier called alliance members "cowards" for not wanting to help open the waterway.
The US is reportedly preparing to send three more warships and thousands of additional troops to the Middle East, though Trump has also mentioned considering "winding down" the war on Iran. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's defence ministry reported intercepting three missiles launched towards Riyadh, with two falling in uninhabited areas.
