US President Donald Trump demanded Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours—by March 23 evening—or face US strikes obliterating its power plants, starting with the largest.
Crisis Timeline
Deadline began March 21 at 23:44 GMT amid fourth-week US-Israel-Iran war. Iran blocked the vital chokepoint (20% global oil transit) after US strikes; Hormuz closure spiked Brent to $112/barrel.
Iranian Response
Tehran vowed retaliation against US energy targets in Gulf if attacked, claiming dominance over Israeli airspace after Dimona missile strikes. No signs of Hormuz reopening; shipping halted.
Global Stakes
Ultimatum follows US waiver for stranded Iranian oil; India faces acute energy crunch from 9M Gulf expats, $200B trade disruptions.
