US President Donald Trump issues a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, threatening to destroy its power plants unless the key global oil shipping lane is reopened.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has issued a stark 48-hour ultimatum to Iran. He threatened to destroy the country’s power plants unless it reopens the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.

“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on Saturday.

The strait has been effectively closed by Iran in retaliation for the US and Israel launching a war against it on February 28. This vital waterway normally carries about a fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

The closure has sent fuel prices spiking worldwide. Countries reliant on the route are scrambling for alternatives and tapping reserves, threatening governments with widespread inflation.

Earlier on Saturday, the US military said it damaged an Iranian bunker housing weapons that threatened oil and gas shipments in the strait. The statement appeared aimed at calming energy markets and skeptical international allies.

More than 20 of Washington’s allies issued a statement vowing to back efforts to reopen the key sea lane.

 The Sun Malaysia