Trump Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, threatening to destroy its power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened without threats.
In a post on Truth Social at 23:44 GMT Saturday, Trump wrote: "If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST."
Iran's army warned it would target all US energy infrastructure in the region if Iran's fuel and energy facilities are attacked.
Iranian threats have prevented most ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway carrying about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. The disruption has driven up energy prices, with Europe's gas prices rising 35 percent last week.
Amu TV reported that Iran struck Qatar's industrial city of Ras Laffan, which processes about one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas, in response to an Israeli attack on Iran's main gas field. Damage there will take years to repair.
Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said Iran fired two ballistic missiles with a 4,000-kilometer range at the US and UK military base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, the first such long-range use since US and Israeli attacks on Iran began February 28. Zamir noted the missiles could reach European capitals including Berlin, Paris and Rome.
Amu TV said more than 2,000 people have been killed in the four-week war, including 15 in Israel from Iranian attacks. Trump posted the ultimatum from his Florida residence, according to Pajhwok Afghan News.
The statement marks a shift from Trump's recent talk of reducing the war, as US Marines and landing ships move toward the region.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Where reports agree
- Trump issued a specific 48-hour ultimatum via social media post threatening Iran's power plants
- Iran vowed retaliation targeting US energy infrastructure
- Strait of Hormuz threatened/closed by Iran affecting global energy supplies
Where reports differ
- Prior Iranian strike on Qatar's Ras Laffan (Amu TV only)
- Iranian missile attack on Diego Garcia base (Amu TV only, attributed to named Israeli official)
- War casualties and timeline details (Amu TV only)
- Trump at Florida residence during post (Pajhwok only)
More in International
ICC sexual misconduct probe into prosecutor Karim Khan ongoing despite exoneration reports
Zelenskiy Urges Allies to Maintain Sanctions on Russia Oil Revenues
Financial Times Editorial Highlights World's Inattention to Afghanistan Amid Taliban-Pakistan Tensions
Pakistan's President Urges India to Resume Full Implementation of Indus Waters Treaty
ReliableICC sexual misconduct probe into prosecutor Karim Khan ongoing despite exoneration reports
Sexual misconduct allegations against ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan remain under review despite media claims of exoneration, an internal memo confirmed. The probe coincides with U.S. sanctions on ICC officials and past warrants for Taliban leaders Hibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, which the Taliban rejected.
ReliableZelenskiy Urges Allies to Maintain Sanctions on Russia Oil Revenues
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for sustained sanctions on Russian oil revenues to weaken Moscow's war funding, emphasizing action against its shadow fleet of tankers. He noted the absence of Russian representatives at recent US-Ukraine talks led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
ReliableFinancial Times Editorial Highlights World's Inattention to Afghanistan Amid Taliban-Pakistan Tensions
A Financial Times editorial criticizes global inattention to Afghanistan nearly five years after the Taliban's takeover, citing curbs on women, soured Pakistan ties, cross-border strikes and terrorism risks. It urges US pressure on Pakistan, incentives for the Taliban and potential Chinese mediation to avert regional instability.
ReliablePakistan's President Urges India to Resume Full Implementation of Indus Waters Treaty
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari urged India on World Water Day to resume full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty, condemning its suspension after a 2025 Kashmir attack as weaponizing water resources. He highlighted the treaty's importance, a recent arbitration ruling against suspension, and water scarcity's impacts, especially on women.