Iran-Israel Conflict: Attacks, Retaliation & Trump’s Threat
Washington D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran on Saturday, threatening to “hit and obliterate” its power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, escalating tensions following a recent surge in hostilities. The threat, delivered via a post on Truth Social at 23:44 GMT, came as Iran launched what reports indicate was its most destructive attack yet on Israel and as thousands of U.S. Marines are en route to the Middle East, according to The Guardian.
Trump’s ultimatum follows a period of escalating conflict that began with reported U.S. And Israeli strikes against Iranian targets on February 28. The move as well appears to contradict earlier statements suggesting a potential de-escalation. Just a day prior to the ultimatum, Trump indicated he was considering “winding down” military operations, as reported by Al Jazeera. However, the deployment of 2,200 additional Marines to the region, alongside three additional naval vessels, suggests a continued commitment to military pressure.
Iran’s response was swift and defiant. The Iranian army announced it would target energy and desalination infrastructure “belonging to the US and the regime in the region” if its own facilities are attacked, according to Iran’s Fars news agency, as reported by The Guardian. This reciprocal threat raises the stakes considerably, expanding the potential scope of the conflict beyond the Strait of Hormuz.
The crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of disrupted shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil supplies. Approximately a fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes through the strait during peacetime, and its effective closure has already led to soaring oil prices and declining stock markets, Al Jazeera reported. Iran has stated We see only restricting vessels from countries involved in attacks against Iran, and would assist others that remain neutral.
Meanwhile, the immediate region is experiencing direct conflict. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced attacks “against objectives of the Iranian regime in the heart of Tehran,” according to reports circulating on Telegram. The United Arab Emirates also reported intercepting drones and missiles launched from Iran, responding to the attacks, as reported by multiple sources including Affari Italiani. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting one ballistic missile while two others landed in uninhabited areas.
In Israel, at least 175 people were injured in Iranian missile attacks on the cities of Dimona and Arad, with 11 critically wounded, according to Israeli media reports. The IDF has reportedly authorized further attacks “on all fronts” following the impact of the Iranian missiles, AP News reported. The situation remains fluid, with no immediate indication of a ceasefire or de-escalation.