Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz

In Washington, President Donald Trump has set a deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday, which is today. He has previously warned that failure to comply would result in targeting Iran's power plants, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.

During a media briefing on Monday night, Trump stated, 'We have a plan. Every bridge in Iran will be destroyed by midnight Tuesday. Every power plant will be rendered useless.'

He added, 'This could happen within four hours if we choose to do so. We do not want that to occur, but the entire country could be wiped out overnight.'

Trump emphasized that Iran must make a decision. If Iran agrees to the U.S. conditions, the conflict could end swiftly. He has given Iran until 8 PM Tuesday (U.S. time), which translates to 5:30 AM Wednesday in India.

Democratic lawmakers have reacted strongly to Trump's threats, with Senator Chris Murphy calling it one of the most shocking and dangerous statements of his presidency.

In an article on his website, Murphy accused Trump of threatening to commit large-scale war crimes by issuing an ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Murphy warned that attacking Iran's energy plants and bridges could lead to the deaths of thousands of innocent people who work at or pass through these locations.

He stated, 'This would be a war crime.' Murphy urged those around Trump to prevent him from taking such actions and called for everyone to speak out against potential war crimes.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reported that its air defense systems are currently engaged in intercepting missile and drone attacks coming from Iran. According to the UAE's Ministry of Defense, the country's air defense system is actively working to neutralize threats from missiles and drones (UAVs).

Iran, on the other hand, claims it is negotiating to halt the attacks. Iranian leaders assert that they have successfully thwarted ongoing assaults on their country and are in a strong position.

They maintain that the nation remains secure and capable of defending itself. Iran believes it possesses sufficient weaponry to confront two of the world's most powerful militaries, thus considering itself in a position of strength.

Iran seeks a resolution that prevents future attacks of this nature. Therefore, it demands not just a ceasefire but a complete end to hostilities, fearing that a ceasefire could allow adversaries to prepare for renewed conflict.

Additionally, Iran is advocating for a new arrangement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, distinct from previous agreements. They want the authority to impose taxes on ships to compensate for damages incurred during the conflict.

Iran has also called for the lifting of long-standing economic sanctions, arguing that these restrictions are unjust and should be abolished.

[Image: A billboard opposing the U.S. has been erected at the Islamic Revolution Square in Tehran, showing U.S. planes caught in Iranian fishing nets. The billboard reads in Persian, 'The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed; the entire Persian Gulf is our hunting ground.']

According to the United Nations (UN), over 1.1 million people, including men, women, and children, have been displaced in Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict. This figure represents nearly one-fifth of the country's total population.