U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or threatening to 'obliterate' Iran's power plants, starting with the largest one, according to statements made on Saturday and reiterated on Truth Social [1][2]. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the administration's aggressive stance, stating that 'sometimes you have to escalate to de-escalate,' and described Trump's rhetoric as 'the only language the Iranians understand' [2]. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passageway for oil tankers, has been closed since the start of the U.S. and Israel's joint war against Iran in February, leading to a surge in global oil and U.S. gas prices [2].
Iran has responded with threats of retaliation, warning that any U.S. attack on its energy infrastructure will result in strikes against U.S.-linked energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure in the region [1][2]. Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated that the Strait of Hormuz would be completely closed if the U.S. executes threats against its energy facilities, and companies with U.S. shares would be 'completely destroyed' [1]. Iran's representative to the United Nations’ maritime agency clarified that the Strait remains open to all shipping except vessels linked to its enemies [1].
Military actions have intensified, with Iran firing long-range missiles for the first time since the conflict began, hitting the southern Israeli town of Dimona near military bases and the Negev Nuclear Research Center. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported no indication of damage to the nuclear facility, while the BBC noted over 160 injuries, some serious, from the attack [1]. The U.S. has avoided striking Iran's oil infrastructure directly, despite ongoing military operations, but Trump claimed the U.S. military 'totally decimated' Iran’s Kharg Island, a key oil hub, without damaging energy lines [2]. Bessent indicated that all options remain on the table, including sending U.S. troops to secure Kharg Island [2].
In response to rising energy costs, the Treasury Department eased certain sanctions on Iran by permitting the sale of Iranian oil stranded at sea, as announced by Bessent on Saturday [2]. The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers issued a joint statement calling for an 'immediate and unconditional cessation of all attacks by Iran' and expressed readiness to support the global energy supply [1].
CONCLUSION
The U.S. ultimatum to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz has sharply escalated tensions, with both sides threatening retaliatory actions against energy infrastructure. The closure of the Strait has already impacted global oil and gas prices, prompting the U.S. to ease some sanctions on Iranian oil. The situation remains highly volatile, with significant implications for energy markets and regional security.