In a dramatic and high-stakes warning, President Donald Trump has given Iran a clear 48-hour ultimatum: fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and cease all threats to global shipping, or the United States will launch devastating strikes on Iran’s power plants and electrical grid.

Speaking with characteristic force, Trump declared: “Iran has 48 hours. If they do not fully open the Strait of Hormuz, the United States will attack and destroy their power plants. We will not allow them to hold the world’s energy supply hostage.”

The ultimatum comes as Iranian forces continue to threaten the critical waterway, through which nearly 20% of global oil pᴀsses daily. U.S. intelligence indicates Iran has positioned additional missile systems and mine-laying vessels along the coast, raising fears of an imminent closure.

Iran’s response was swift and defiant. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), under the command of Mojtaba Khamenei, rejected the ᴅᴇᴀᴅline outright. A senior commander warned: “Trump’s threats will not intimidate us. If America dares to strike our power plants, we will shut down the Strait of Hormuz forever. The entire Gulf will go dark, and the world will suffer with us. We still have not used our best and ᴅᴇᴀᴅliest missiles.”

Retired U.S. General Jack Keane called the situation “extremely critical,” saying: “This is the most dangerous moment of the entire conflict. Striking power infrastructure would cause widespread suffering inside Iran and could trigger a mᴀssive Iranian retaliation.”

Global oil prices have exploded past $35,900 per barrel — an all-time record — as traders brace for the possible complete shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and devastating attacks on energy infrastructure.

As the 48-hour clock ticks down, the world stands on the edge of an energy and military catastrophe. Will Iran comply with Trump’s ultimatum and step back from the brink, or will this be the spark that ignites the most destructive phase of the war yet?