United States President, Donald Trump, on Saturday night issued a sharp warning to Iran, threatening military action against its energy infrastructure if it does not halt attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz by 23 March.
In a post on social media around 7:45pm ET on 21 March, Trump said Iran must “fully open” the strategic waterway without threats within 48 hours, or the United States would “strike and destroy” what he described as key power facilities, beginning with major installations.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the region, where only a limited number of vessels have reportedly been able to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the escalation of hostilities between the United States and Israel and Iran on 28 February.
Iran has responded by targeting commercial shipping through the chokepoint, as well as striking energy infrastructure in neighbouring states and US military positions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, carrying roughly a quarter of global seaborne crude oil trade and about a fifth of liquefied natural gas supply.
Trump’s statement was released hours after the International Atomic Energy Agency said it was reviewing Iranian reports of an alleged attack on the Natanz nuclear facility.
The agency confirmed that no increase in off-site radiation levels had been detected.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi urged all parties to exercise restraint, warning that continued military escalation could raise the risk of a nuclear incident.
