Trump's Iran Ultimatum on Hormuz

US President Donald Trump issued a dramatic ultimatum to Iran, threatening to "obliterate" its power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened within 48 hours. This threat came amidst an escalating conflict, now in its fourth week, which has seen Iran launch long-range ballistic missiles at the US-UK military base United Kingdom — Diego Garcia and strike Israeli cities like Israel — Dimona and Romania — Arad, injuring dozens. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir confirmed Iran's use of 4,000-kilometer-range missiles, noting their potential to reach European capitals. The conflict has resulted in over 2,000 deaths in Iran and 15 in Israel. The Strait of Hormuz's disruption has already caused European gas prices to surge by 35%, raising fears of a global energy shock. The United States and Israel have been conducting attacks on Iran since February 28, with reports of strikes on Iran's Natanz Nuclear Facility, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Bushehr, and Iran — Kharg Island. Iran, in turn, has launched drones at US bases in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. The situation is further complicated by mixed signals from the Donald Trump administration and reluctance from NATO allies to join the conflict. Saudi Arabia has also expelled Iranian diplomats, and Israel has attacked Hezbollah in Lebanon — Beirut and missile production sites near Iran — Tehran.