The President of the United States, Donald Trump, on Saturday issued a strict 48-hour warning to Iran, demanding that the country immediately reopen the vital shipping route known as the Strait of Hormuz or risk having its energy infrastructure destroyed. The warning came at the same time that Tehran carried out one of its most damaging military attacks against Israel since the conflict began. The strong ultimatum was delivered only a day after the US leader suggested that he might consider reducing military activity following nearly three weeks of intense fighting in the region. However, tensions rose again as the crucial oil transit corridor remained practically shut, while additional American Marines were reportedly being deployed toward the Middle East to strengthen US presence. Posting on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump declared that the United States would strike Iranian power facilities if the strait was not fully reopened within the stated deadline. He warned that the operation would begin with the largest energy installation first, emphasizing that the action would be swift and overwhelming if Iran failed to comply before the deadline, which he indicated would expire late Monday according to the timestamp of his message. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, responded by stating that restrictions in the waterway were only applied to ships belonging to countries involved in military actions against Iran. He added that vessels from nations that remained neutral in the conflict would continue to receive assistance and safe passage. Following the American warning, Iran’s military released a statement through the Fars news agency saying that any attack on Iranian infrastructure would result in retaliation against energy facilities and desalination plants connected to the United States and its allies in the region. The warning from Washington came shortly after two Iranian missiles struck southern parts of Israel, leaving more than one hundred people injured in what officials described as the most destructive assault since the war started. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, immediately promised a response on every front, signaling that further escalation was likely. Reports indicated that the missiles managed to bypass Israel’s defense systems, causing severe damage to residential structures and leaving large craters in the affected areas. Emergency services confirmed that dozens of civilians were injured in the town of Arad, with several in serious condition. Earlier in the day, additional casualties were reported in Dimona, where footage showed extensive destruction, including debris, damaged buildings, and twisted metal scattered across the impact site. Dimona is widely believed to host Israel’s only nuclear-related facility, although the country has never officially confirmed possessing nuclear weapons. Military officials later confirmed that one of the missiles directly struck a building in the area, causing injuries at several locations, including a young boy who suffered serious wounds from shrapnel. Rescue workers continued searching through the ruins of damaged buildings as the situation remained tense. Netanyahu described the evening as extremely difficult and later confirmed that Israeli forces had launched new airstrikes targeting locations in Tehran. Iran claimed that the strike near Dimona was retaliation for earlier attacks on its nuclear facility in Natanz. The country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, also known as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said its forces also targeted additional towns in southern Israel and military-related locations in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. After the incident involving Natanz, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, repeated calls for restraint, warning that continued military action could increase the risk of a nuclear accident. The Natanz facility contains underground centrifuges used for uranium enrichment as part of Iran’s disputed nuclear program, and it had already suffered damage earlier in the conflict. Israel denied responsibility for the Natanz explosion but confirmed that it had carried out strikes on a research facility in Tehran that it claimed was linked to the development of components for ballistic missiles. Rising tension around Hormuz The destruction seen in Israel followed weeks of heavy bombardment carried out by US and Israeli forces, which appeared to have had limited success in stopping Iran’s ability to launch missile and drone attacks throughout the region. Iran also attempted a long-range missile strike against the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia, located thousands of kilometers away in the Indian Ocean. According to officials, the attack did not succeed, but it would have been the longest-range strike ever attempted by Iran if it had reached its target. The United Arab Emirates reported that it faced aerial threats after Iran warned regional countries not to allow attacks to be launched from their territory near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s control of the waterway has significantly disrupted global oil transport, as the strait normally carries a large portion of the world’s crude oil supply. The situation caused oil prices to surge, with Brent crude rising above one hundred dollars per barrel, raising serious concerns about the global economy. Several world leaders released a joint statement condemning what they described as the effective closure of the strait. The statement, signed by multiple countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, South Korea, Bahrain, and the UAE, expressed readiness to support efforts that would ensure safe navigation through the region. Trump also criticized some NATO allies, accusing them of not doing enough to secure the shipping route and urging them to take stronger action. Analysts note Iran’s endurance Security experts say Iran has shown unexpected resilience despite losing several senior leaders during the conflict. Analysts noted that the country’s ability to continue launching attacks suggests that its military capacity remains stronger than initially predicted. Researchers at the policy institute Chatham House said the situation demonstrated that Iran’s response capability had not been fully weakened and that the conflict could continue longer than expected. Meanwhile, people in Tehran marked the end of Ramadan while the war entered another week. Traditionally, the country’s supreme leader leads Eid prayers, but the current leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared in public since taking power after the death of his father,
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has urged allied nations, including the United Kingdom and other global powers, to send naval forces to help secure oil shipments moving through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, which remains under severe threat due to escalating tensions with Iran. According to statements made on social media, Trump said several countries affected by the disruption of oil transport should join the United States in deploying warships to keep the shipping lane open. The waterway is one of the most critical global energy routes, with approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passing through it. Despite weeks of heavy airstrikes carried out by joint US-Israeli forces since the conflict began on February 28, Iranian authorities have rejected claims that their military strength has been completely destroyed. Trump previously stated that Iran’s military capability had been “fully eliminated,” but officials in Tehran continue to insist that their forces remain operational. Oil Supply Disruption and Rising Global Prices Attacks and warnings issued by Iran have almost stopped commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a sharp rise in global petroleum prices. Reports indicate that oil costs have increased by nearly 40 percent, creating instability across international markets and raising concerns about long-term economic effects. Iran’s military has reportedly used drones and missile systems to target several locations across the Middle East, including sites in Israel, energy installations in Gulf countries, and other strategic facilities within the region. Explosions were heard in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, while heavy smoke was seen rising from an oil terminal in the port city of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. Security officials also confirmed that a drone strike hit the US embassy compound in Iraq. Trump stated online that multiple nations — including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom — should contribute naval support to maintain safe passage through the strait. He also warned that US forces would continue military operations along the Iranian coastline and would respond aggressively to any attacks on ships in the region. Military Strikes and Rising Casualties US forces recently carried out strikes on Kharg Island, the primary export hub for Iranian oil. Trump claimed that all military targets were destroyed during the operation, while energy facilities were deliberately avoided. Iran responded with threats, warning that companies linked to the United States or its allies could face serious consequences if Iranian oil infrastructure is damaged. Iranian health officials reported that more than 1,200 people have died since the start of the conflict, although independent verification has not been possible. Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced that over 15,000 military targets inside Iran have been hit by US and Israeli forces. American media reports also stated that the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, along with about 2,500 Marines, has been deployed to the region as tensions continue to grow. Continued Strikes Across the Region Local media in Iran reported attacks in several provinces, including a strike on an industrial facility in Isfahan that killed at least 15 people, according to local sources. The United States military has confirmed the loss of 13 service members, including six who died when a refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq. Officials said the crash was not caused by enemy fire. Iranian leadership has attempted to maintain an image of stability following the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during the first day of the conflict. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was named as the new leader, although reports suggest he has not appeared publicly and may have been injured. Iran has continued launching missile and drone attacks toward Israel and other regional targets. Explosions were heard over Jerusalem after incoming missiles were detected, while several Gulf countries reported intercepting projectiles aimed at military and energy facilities. Smoke was also seen rising over the Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates shortly after Iran warned civilians to stay away from port areas. A drone strike again hit the US diplomatic compound in Iraq, and another attack targeted a consulate building in Iraqi Kurdistan. American officials in Baghdad advised citizens to leave the area immediately due to security concerns. In Kuwait, a drone strike damaged airport radar equipment, although no injuries were reported. Authorities in Qatar confirmed missile interceptions after parts of the capital were evacuated. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced that missiles were fired toward the Al-Kharj military base in Saudi Arabia, where US troops are stationed. Saudi officials said they intercepted several ballistic missiles heading toward the base. Impact on Sports and International Events The conflict has also affected global sporting activities. Motorsport authorities cancelled Formula One races scheduled in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to safety concerns. In Australia, reports stated that several members of Iran’s visiting women’s football team withdrew asylum requests and decided to return home, while others chose to remain abroad after facing criticism in their country. Expansion of the Conflict Fighting has also spread to Lebanon after the Iran-backed group Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel following the death of Iran’s leader. Israel responded with airstrikes and ground operations that Lebanese officials say have killed hundreds of people. Large evacuation zones have been declared, forcing many civilians to leave their homes and raising fears of a humanitarian crisis. Hezbollah later confirmed direct clashes with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon as the conflict continues to expand across the region.
