US-Israel-Iran War Escalates, Hormuz Blockade

A five-week war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has escalated, with the United States President Donald Trump issuing an ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face 'complete demolition' of its civilian infrastructure. Iran has defiantly rejected a ceasefire proposal and maintained its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil conduit, which has led to soaring global oil and gas prices. Both the United States and Israel have continued air strikes on Iranian targets, including petrochemical facilities and military installations, while Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks across the region, including strikes on Israel and Gulf nations allied with the United States like Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting ballistic missiles. The conflict has seen the killing of high-ranking Iranian military officials, including Majid Khademi and Asghar Bakri from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, prompting vows of retaliation. Diplomatic efforts by the International — United Nations Security Council to address the Strait of Hormuz blockade have been watered down, reflecting the deep divisions and high stakes of the ongoing geopolitical confrontation.