Washington/Tehran – Tensions in the Middle East have reached a new high as US President Donald Trump has given Iran a strict 48-hour deadline to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on Truth Social late Saturday, Trump warned that if Iran does not allow free passage without any threats, the United States will strike and destroy Iran’s power plants, starting with the largest one. This comes as the ongoing war between the US, Israel, and Iran enters its fourth week, with attacks on both sides causing heavy damage and pushing global oil prices higher.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is very important because around 20% of the world’s oil and a large part of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through it every day. Iran has effectively blocked or restricted ships linked to its enemies, mainly the US and Israel. An Iranian official said the strait is open to all ships except those connected to “enemy” countries. This has stopped most tanker traffic, leading to big problems for global energy supply.
Trump’s strong words came after days of back-and-forth attacks. He wrote: “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Reports from sources like The Hill, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and The Guardian confirm this statement. Iran quickly responded, saying any attack on its energy sites would lead to strikes on US and Israeli energy infrastructure in the region.
Missile Strikes Near Israel’s Nuclear Areas
On Saturday evening, Iran fired ballistic missiles at the Israeli towns of Dimona and Arad in the southern Negev desert. Dimona is close to Israel’s main nuclear research center, the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center. Israel’s health ministry reported over 160 people injured, with some in serious condition. Israeli emergency services said 84 were hurt in Arad and 78 in Dimona. Firefighters noted that air defense interceptors failed to stop some missiles, leading to direct hits from heavy warheads.
Iran’s state media said these strikes were in direct response to an earlier attack on its Natanz nuclear enrichment facility. Israel has not confirmed any major damage to its nuclear sites but described the attacks as serious. This marks one of the most direct hits near sensitive areas since the conflict began on February 28, 2026.
Oil Prices Swing Wildly Due to Energy Fears
The fighting has badly affected global energy markets. Brent crude oil prices have been very unstable, moving between $109 and $119 per barrel in recent days. Prices jumped after reports of attacks on energy sites in the Gulf and Iran’s threats. For example, after some strikes on facilities in Qatar and elsewhere, Brent hit highs near $119 before pulling back a bit. Markets fear that if the Strait stays blocked or if power plants are hit, oil supply could drop sharply, pushing prices even higher.
Countries like Sri Lanka have already raised fuel prices twice in a short time because of these ripples. In India, people are watching closely as higher oil costs can mean more expensive petrol, diesel, and cooking gas. The war has also hurt shipping, with many tankers avoiding the strait, leading to delays and higher costs.
Broader War Context and Responses
The conflict started with surprise US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials. Iran hit back with missiles and drones on Israel, US bases, and allies in the region like Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The war has now lasted over three weeks, with both sides trading heavy blows.
Iran has warned that its forces will target energy sites if attacked further. An Iranian military spokesperson said US and Israeli energy assets are legitimate targets. On the other side, Israel has continued strikes, including on Tehran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the situation difficult and promised strong responses.
Trump’s ultimatum follows his earlier comments about winding down US operations, but he stressed that other countries must help keep the strait open. The US has sent more Marines and warships to the area. European countries have been cautious about getting more involved in protecting shipping.
No side has confirmed any action on the ultimatum yet, as the 48-hour clock is ticking. The world watches closely, hoping to avoid a bigger energy crisis or wider war.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it so important?
A: The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open sea. Every day, millions of barrels of oil and a lot of LNG from countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq pass through it. It handles about 20% of global oil trade. If blocked, it can cause shortages and high prices worldwide.
Q2: What exactly did President Trump say in his ultimatum?
A: On March 22, 2026 (late Saturday), Trump posted on Truth Social that if Iran does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz without any threats within 48 hours, the US will “hit and obliterate” Iran’s power plants, starting with the biggest one. This is reported by major news outlets like Reuters, Al Jazeera, Fox News, and The Guardian.
Q3: Why did Iran attack Dimona and Arad in Israel?
A: Iran said it was payback for an Israeli strike on its Natanz nuclear site earlier on the same day. The missiles hit residential areas near Dimona, which is close to Israel’s nuclear research center. Over 160 people were injured, but no nuclear damage was confirmed.
Q4: How are oil prices affected right now?
A: Brent crude has been moving a lot, going from around $109 to $119 per barrel recently. The fear of more attacks on energy sites and the blocked strait is making prices jump. This affects countries like India, where fuel prices can rise quickly.
Q5: What could happen if the US strikes Iran’s power plants?
A: It would be a big escalation. Iran has promised to hit back at US and Israeli energy targets. This could cause blackouts in Iran and further disrupt oil and gas supplies, leading to even higher global prices and possible wider conflict.
Q6: Is the war likely to end soon?
A: It is hard to say. The US and Israel say they have hit many targets in Iran, but Iran keeps fighting back. Trump’s words suggest strong action if the strait stays blocked, but talks of winding down were mentioned earlier.