WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply on Tuesday as President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum demanding the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The warning raised fears of a wider regional conflict that could disrupt global energy supplies and destabilize the Middle East.
Trump said Iran must end its blockade of the strategic waterway by 8 p.m. Washington time or face sweeping U.S. military strikes on its infrastructure. He warned that failure to comply could lead to devastating consequences, including the destruction of power plants and transportation networks.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. About one-fifth of global oil shipments pass through the narrow waterway. Iran has effectively restricted access since late February, following intensified attacks involving U.S. and Israeli forces.
Trump’s ultimatum focused on restoring free passage through the strait. He warned that the U.S. military could “completely demolish” Iran’s key infrastructure within hours. His remarks signaled a dramatic escalation in rhetoric and raised concerns among global leaders. Iranian officials rejected the demand. They insisted that any agreement must include a halt to U.S. and Israeli strikes, along with guarantees against future attacks. Tehran also called for compensation for damage caused during the conflict.
Airstrikes intensified across Iran throughout Tuesday. Targets included bridges, railways, an airport, and a petrochemical facility. U.S. forces also struck Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s oil exports. Israel carried out additional attacks on what it described as military infrastructure. Officials said the strikes aimed to disrupt supply routes used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. However, they did not provide evidence to support these claims.
Iran responded with new threats against Gulf nations. Officials warned they would target energy facilities and infrastructure in neighboring countries if U.S. attacks continued. Reports indicated strikes on a vessel in the Gulf and a major petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia. Missile and drone activity increased across the region. Air defenses in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intercepted multiple incoming threats. Bahrain also activated air raid sirens, urging residents to seek shelter.
The conflict has already affected civilian infrastructure. Power outages hit parts of Karaj after strikes damaged transmission lines. In Tehran, a synagogue was destroyed during overnight attacks, according to Iranian officials.
Iranian leaders signaled a shift in strategy. The Revolutionary Guards said they would no longer limit their targets. They warned that the U.S. and its allies could lose access to oil and gas resources for years if the conflict continues. The risk of widespread disruption has grown. Gulf cities rely heavily on stable energy and water supplies. Any major strike on power systems could make parts of the region uninhabitable.
Diplomatic efforts have struggled to keep pace with the escalating violence. Pakistan has acted as a key intermediary, relaying messages between Washington and Tehran. However, officials said there has been little progress. A proposed temporary ceasefire failed to gain traction. Iran rejected the plan, insisting on a permanent end to hostilities. U.S. officials also expressed doubts about the proposal’s effectiveness. Other mediators, including Egypt and Turkey, have explored options for de-escalation. Still, both sides remain far apart on key demands.
Global markets have reacted cautiously to the crisis. Oil prices have risen, but traders remain uncertain about the next move. Investors are weighing the possibility of further escalation against the chance that last-minute diplomacy could prevent a major conflict. Trump’s past decisions to pull back from military threats have added to the uncertainty. Some analysts believe the latest warning could follow a similar pattern. Others fear the situation has reached a point where de-escalation may be harder to achieve.
As the deadline approached, the situation remained highly volatile. Both sides continued to exchange threats while keeping military options on the table. The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz has become a defining moment in the ongoing conflict. The outcome could shape the future of regional security and global energy markets. For now, the world watches closely as the clock ticks down.
