WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The threat of an all-out war in the Middle East has escalated drastically after US President Donald Trump issued a severe military ultimatum to Iran, warning of massive, imminent strikes targeting the country’s key defense and energy infrastructure. In a late-night post on his official platform, Truth Social, Trump declared that the US military would launch high-intensity operations tonight. The multi-pronged assault intends to completely dismantle Iran’s naval forces, air defense capabilities, and radar networks. Critically, Trump threatened to hit Iran’s vital energy hubs, explicitly naming Kharg Island—the country’s primary oil export terminal. Echoing measures previously used in Venezuela, the US President added that Washington aims to seize full control over Iran’s oil and gas markets.
The warnings come as US forces hit Iranian territory for the second consecutive day, effectively collapsing ongoing diplomatic efforts. The latest round of American airstrikes directly targeted a major petrochemical refinery within Iran’s famed South Pars Gas Field. Confirming the attacks, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the strikes were direct retaliation for the recent downing of an American military helicopter. Striking an aggressive tone, Hegseth warned that if necessary, their future discussions would be conducted through bombs.
Iran has forcefully rejected the American ultimatums. Addressing the threats, Iran’s UN Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, countered that the United States cannot force Tehran into a diplomatic settlement through military coercion or intimidation. In immediate retaliation to the expanding US airstrikes, Tehran officially announced the complete closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital maritime chokepoint for global energy transit. Following the closure, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for attacking two commercial vessels attempting to traverse the strait. Urging national unity, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the country stands completely unified and prepared to resist US aggression. With global oil supply lines heavily threatened and direct military engagement expanding, regional security indicators have plunged to their lowest point in decades.
