Trump Issues Deadline for Iran to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Conflict

President Donald Trump has set an 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes, warning of severe military consequences if the demand goes unmet. The ultimatum signals a dangerous crossroads between diplomatic resolution and full-scale escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.

Trump expressed cautious optimism that a nuclear or trade deal with Iran could be reached within days, but simultaneously warned of aggressive action — including targeting Iranian energy infrastructure — if negotiations stall. In a Truth Social post, he threatened strikes on power plants and bridges, referring to the potential operation as "Power Plant Day and Bridge Day," underscoring just how rapidly the situation could deteriorate. Trump reportedly also disclosed that weapons were covertly sent to Iranian protesters through Kurdish channels earlier this year.

Adding further drama to the conflict, the U.S. military successfully rescued a second American crew member — a high-ranking Colonel — from deep within Iran's mountains in what Trump called one of the most daring search-and-rescue operations in U.S. history. No American rescuers were harmed, though two MC-130J Special Operations aircraft, each valued at over $100 million, were deliberately destroyed on the ground to prevent enemy capture.

Meanwhile, a 24-hour joint U.S.-Israeli aerial campaign struck 272 targets across 14 Iranian provinces, killing at least nine civilians and wounding hundreds more. Iran retaliated by launching drone strikes on Kuwait, setting fire to Kuwait Petroleum Corp. headquarters and damaging two power and desalination plants, marking a dramatic expansion of the regional conflict.

Global energy markets remain on high alert as infrastructure across the Gulf continues to face sustained attacks from both sides, with no clear resolution in sight.