The ultimatum issued by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz expires early Tuesday (Greek time), while Israel signals it is preparing for several more weeks of hostilities.
US threatens Iran’s power plants
If Tehran does not reopen the strategic passage, through which about 20% of the world’s seaborne oil and gas normally flows, Trump warned he would “bomb and annihilate” Iranian power stations, starting with the largest.
The message, posted via Truth Social on Saturday, means the deadline falls at 01:44 Greek time on Tuesday, coinciding with early morning in Tehran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Sunday: “We may need to escalate to de-escalate,” underlining the high stakes of the standoff.
Israel prepares for extended conflict
While the US maintains ambiguity about the duration of its military operations, Israel has made clear it is ready for “weeks of battles” against Iran and the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.
The Israeli army has intensified targeted ground operations and airstrikes in southern Lebanon to push Hezbollah away from its borders. A strategic bridge in southern Lebanon, used by Hezbollah, was destroyed, with footage showing smoke rising after the attack. Lebanese President Michel Aoun called it a “prelude to a ground invasion” and condemned the escalation as a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Nuclear concerns grow
Despite claims by Israel and the US that Iranian leadership has been weakened since the February 28 military campaign began, Tehran continues retaliatory attacks and threats.
On Saturday night, two Iranian strikes in southern Israel injured over 100 people, one hitting a residential area near the Dimona nuclear research centre. Iran claimed a “hostile strike” on its Natanz nuclear facility in response, though the Israeli army said it was unaware of the attack. The Iranian Atomic Energy Organisation reported no radiation leaks.
The IAEA has called for maximum restraint, warning that military actions risk nuclear accidents.
Energy infrastructure under threat
Following Trump’s ultimatum, Iran threatened to target energy infrastructure, power plants, and desalination facilities, labelling them “legitimate targets.” Oil prices surged, with WTI exceeding $100 per barrel.
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné warned that if the war lasts more than six months, “all global economies will suffer,” noting that 10 million barrels per day are currently unable to leave the Gulf. Around 20 countries, including the UAE, UK, France, and Japan, have offered to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though their approaches differ.
Uncertainty dominates in Tehran, with residents expressing anxiety about the war’s outcome.
Also read: Iran issues warning to UK over US use of military bases
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