WASHINGTON/TEHRAN : U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a final 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In a high-stakes escalation of the ongoing regional conflict, the President warned that failure to comply would result in targeted military strikes against Iran’s critical energy and utility infrastructure.
Writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump stated that a previously granted 10-day window for negotiations and the restoration of maritime passage is expiring. “Time is running out,” the President noted, adding that the U.S. military is prepared to “obliterate” Iranian oil depots, power plants, and strategic assets, specifically citing Kharg Island as a potential target.
Escalation of ‘Operation Epic Fury’
The current standoff follows the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, a joint military initiative by the United States and Israel. The mission was established to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities, neutralize its naval influence, and dismantle its nuclear infrastructure.
As the conflict enters its fifth week, the U.S. has significantly bolstered its regional presence. Officials confirmed the deployment of over 3,500 additional personnel, including Marines stationed aboard the USS Tripoli. While the President has occasionally framed the conflict around securing oil resources and economic interests, the immediate focus remains the strategic control of the Hormuz waterway.
Tehran Vows Defiance Amid Military Buildup
Iran has responded to the American ultimatum with sharp rhetoric and signs of military mobilization. Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref dismissed the threats, warning that if U.S. forces are committed to a ground or further air offensive, their safe return would not be guaranteed. Similarly, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, cautioned that any American strike would be met with “multiple retaliatory measures.”
Despite the aggressive posture from both capitals, diplomatic channels remain partially active. Iranian Foreign Minister Sayyid Abbas Araghchi indicated a willingness to participate in peace talks in Islamabad, seeking a “permanent solution” to the hostilities.
Pakistan and China Push for Mediation
Regional powers, led by Pakistan and China, are intensifying pressure on both nations to return to the negotiating table. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, refuted reports that peace initiatives had collapsed, confirming that proposals for a resolution continue to be exchanged.
While Islamabad seeks to facilitate a ceasefire, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Military analysts suggest that the next 48 hours will be decisive for the global energy market and regional stability, as the world watches whether diplomacy can preempt a full-scale assault on Iran’s economic heartland.
