U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz or face potential attacks on its energy infrastructure, as tensions between Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran deepen.
Reuters, on Sunday, reported that the warning comes amid an intensifying conflict that began with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, and as both American and Iranian forces continue searching for a missing US crew member from one of two downed warplanes.
"Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Trump’s rhetoric has oscillated between signalling possible diplomatic progress and threatening overwhelming military action, including earlier remarks about bombing Iran "back to the Stone Ages".
In a further sign of escalation, an Israeli defence official indicated that Israel is preparing for potential strikes on Iranian energy facilities, pending approval from the United States, with any such action expected within the coming week.
Iran, however, has warned of severe consequences should attacks intensify. State media reported Tehran cautioning that "the entire region will become a hell for you" if the conflict escalates further.
As the war enters its sixth week, the stakes for United States are rising, with limited prospects for peace talks and domestic public support reportedly weak.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, signalled conditional openness to negotiations through mediation by Pakistan, while maintaining a firm stance against US demands.
"We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war that is imposed on us," he said on X.
Meanwhile, concerns over nuclear safety have intensified following repeated strikes near the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
Araqchi warned in a letter to the United Nations of an "intolerable situation that poses a serious risk of radiological release," according to Iranian state media.
The conflict has already claimed thousands of lives, triggered a severe energy crisis and raised fears of long-term damage to the global economy.
Iran has effectively restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery that normally carries about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
Tehran has launched drones and missiles at Israeli targets and at Gulf states aligned with Washington, though those countries have so far avoided direct involvement.
Iranian state television reported that its military had carried out retaliatory drone strikes targeting US radar systems, a US-linked aluminium facility in the United Arab Emirates, and a US military headquarters in Kuwait following attacks on Iranian industrial sites. - April 5, 2026
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