TEHRAN — Tensions in the Middle East have reached a critical breaking point as Iran threatened an indefinite closure of the Strait of Hormuz if the United States carries out President Donald Trump’s recent threat to “obliterate” Iranian power plants.
The Iranian military issued the warning following a social media ultimatum from President Trump, who demanded the strategic waterway be fully reopened within 48 hours. The American commander-in-chief warned that failure to comply would result in the destruction of Iran’s energy infrastructure, “starting with the biggest one first.”
In a defiant response, Tehran stated it would not reopen the critical maritime bottleneck until any infrastructure damaged by U.S. strikes is fully rebuilt. Furthermore, Iran warned of retaliatory strikes against Israeli energy and communications hubs, as well as regional companies with U.S. shareholders, should the Iranian domestic power grid go dark.
Global Market Impact
The escalation has sent shockwaves through global markets:
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Oil Prices: U.S. benchmark crude briefly touched $100 per barrel early Monday as shipments through the narrow strait nearly halted.
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Economic Strain: For major importers like India, the surge in Brent crude prices threatens to fuel domestic inflation and weaken the rupee.
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Human Cost: The conflict, now in its fourth week, has claimed over 2,500 lives across Iran, Lebanon, and Israel, including 13 U.S. military members, with millions more displaced.
The situation remains volatile as the 48-hour deadline approaches, marking a dangerous new chapter in the regional war.
