March 22, (THEWILL) — United States President, Donald Trump, has issued a stark 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, threatening to “hit and obliterate” the country’s power plants if it fails to fully reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz to global shipping, in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform late Saturday, delivered the warning in explicit terms: “Iran must immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial shipping. If they do not do so within 48 hours, the United States will hit and obliterate their power plants, starting with the biggest one. This is a clear and final warning.”
The ultimatum comes amid conflicting signals from Tehran, which has indicated that while the vital waterway remains open, access will be conditional.
Speaking at the International Maritime Organisation, Iran’s representative, Ali Mousavi, said commercial vessels could transit the Strait, but warned that ships linked to “enemy” states would be denied passage unless they comply with strict security coordination measures.
According to remarks reported by Mehr News Agency, Tehran insists it is committed to maritime safety, but will impose restrictions based on national security considerations, effectively introducing selective access to one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy artery through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass, has been severely disrupted by the ongoing hostilities, triggering a sharp spike in global energy prices and heightening fears of a prolonged supply shock.
Although Iran has not officially named the countries it considers “enemy” states, the designation is widely interpreted to include the United States and Israel, both of which are currently locked in escalating hostilities with Tehran. Analysts warn that such restrictions could provoke countermeasures, including military escorts for commercial vessels or further sanctions.
The crisis has unfolded against the backdrop of intensifying conflict across the region. The war, now in its fourth week, has seen Iran launch missile strikes on southern Israel, including areas near Dimona, leaving dozens injured, while Israeli forces have carried out retaliatory attacks on Iranian targets, fuelling a dangerous cycle of escalation.
In a further sign of the widening conflict, Iran reportedly attempted long-range strikes targeting a joint US-UK military base in Diego Garcia, raising fresh concerns about the geographical spread and strategic implications of the confrontation.
Despite his hardline warning, Trump had earlier hinted at the possibility of de-escalation, stating in a separate message that the United States was “getting very close to meeting our objectives” and could consider winding down its military efforts in the Middle East.
Tehran, however, has warned that any attack on its critical infrastructure would trigger swift retaliation against US and allied interests across the region, amplifying fears of a broader war that could engulf key energy assets and vital shipping lanes.
Maritime security experts caution that even limited restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching consequences, including sustained increases in shipping costs, insurance premiums, and global fuel prices. The situation has also drawn urgent attention from major economies and international stakeholders seeking to safeguard energy supplies and uphold freedom of navigation.
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