Iran threatens to shut off Strait of Hormuz following Trump ultimatum
Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Iran reopen the vital waterway or face military strikes, vowing to “obliterate” the country’s energy infrastructure, starting with its largest facilities.
Tensions in the Middle East have sharply escalated after Iran warned it would “completely close” the strategic Strait of Hormuz if US President Donald Trump follows through on threats to destroy its power plants.
Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Iran reopen the vital waterway or face military strikes, vowing to “obliterate” the country’s energy infrastructure, starting with its largest facilities.
In response, Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Strait would not be reopened if attacked, warning it would remain closed “until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt.”
An Iranian official maintained that the Strait remains open to global shipping, but not to vessels linked to what Tehran calls its “enemies.” Reports also indicated an overnight explosion near a cargo ship in the area, further heightening fears over maritime safety.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical النفط transit routes, carrying nearly 20% of global oil supplies, and any disruption threatens to trigger a global energy crisis.
Analysts say fully reopening the passage would strip Iran of its strongest leverage in the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to intensify beyond the Gulf. In Israel, more than 175 people were injured after Iranian missile strikes hit towns near sensitive facilities. Emergency services reported dozens of casualties in Arad and Dimona following the attacks.
The escalating exchange of threats and strikes signals a deepening crisis, with fears growing that the conflict could spiral into a wider regional war with global economic consequences.
