US-Iran Tensions Reach Critical Juncture: Trump Issues Ultimatum, Threatens Direct Attacks

Washington: Tensions in West Asia have reached a critical juncture. US President Donald Trump has issued a strongly worded 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic with immediate effect without any conditions. If Iran does not comply within this timeframe, the United States will launch direct attacks on Iran's power infrastructure and energy networks. Iran's counterattack and warning: Iran has also challenged this hardline stance of the United States instead of backing down. Tehran has called this US threat a'war crime '. Iran has made it clear that if its power grid is attacked, it will target the energy installations, IT infrastructure, and especially desalination plants of America's Gulf allies. Iran has previously threatened to demonstrate its nuclear capabilities in sensitive areas such as Israel's Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), thereby increasing the threat to its air defense systems and humanitarian aid.