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Hormuz Crisis Deepens as US, Iran Issue Fresh Warnings
The US and Iran clash over the Strait of Hormuz, with threats to energy infrastructure, rising global oil prices, and growing fears of wider conflict.
The crisis over the Strait of Hormuz has escalated, with the United States and Iran exchanging threats over potential attacks on critical energy infrastructure.
US President Donald Trump gave Iran a 48-hour deadline to reopen the strait, warning that failure to comply would result in the “obliteration” of its power plants.
Iran quickly fired back, warning it would target US-linked oil and energy facilities across the region if its infrastructure is attacked.
The standoff follows Iran’s blockade of the strait, a vital shipping route for global crude oil, pushing Brent crude prices above $105 per barrel.
The tensions intensified after Iranian missile strikes on Israeli towns Arad and Dimona injured over 160 people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to respond “on all fronts.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi maintained that restrictions in the strait target only countries involved in hostilities, adding that neutral vessels would receive assistance.
On Truth Social, Trump reiterated that the US would “hit and obliterate various Iran power plants” if the strait remains closed.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested escalation could be necessary to end the conflict, stating: “Sometimes you have to escalate to de-escalate.”
Iran’s military warned it would fully shut down the strait if US attacks occur, while parliament speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said regional energy infrastructure would become “legitimate targets.”
The situation has drawn global concern, with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioning that strikes on nuclear-related sites could endanger public health.
“I urgently call on all parties to exercise maximum military restraint… Peace is the best medicine,” he said.
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