International Desk, Mar 22 (EFE).- Donald Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours as missile and airstrikes escalated across Iran, Israel and the Gulf.
The warning comes amid a surge in attacks, including Iranian missile strikes on southern Israel and renewed Israeli air raids on Tehran, while Gulf states reported intercepting drones and missiles.
Below is a summary of the latest developments:
Trump issues 48-hour ultimatum
Trump escalated pressure on Iran, warning of direct strikes on its energy infrastructure.
“If Iran does not fully open, without threats, the Strait of Hormuz within 48 HOURS from this precise moment, the United States will attack and destroy its various power plants, starting with the largest,” he wrote on Truth Social.
Iranian military officials responded by warning they would target U.S. energy infrastructure, desalination plants, and IT facilities in the region if such strikes occur.
Trump also dismissed the prospect of negotiations, claiming the United States is “weeks ahead” in the conflict and that Iran’s military capacity has been severely degraded.
Missile strikes hit southern Israel
Around 120 people were injured, 11 seriously, after Iranian missiles struck southern Israel late Saturday.
The missiles hit the cities of Dimona and Arad, causing significant damage to buildings.
Dimona is home to Israel’s main nuclear research facility in the Negev desert.
“This is a very difficult night in the campaign for our future,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said following the attacks.
The strikes came after Iran denounced an attack on its Natanz nuclear facility, where authorities reported no radioactive leak.
Israel launches new strikes on Tehran
The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out fresh airstrikes early Sunday targeting sites in central Tehran, following earlier attacks on missile development facilities.
Shortly after, Iran’s Armed Forces claimed to have shot down a drone belonging to what they described as the “American-Zionist enemy.”
Iranian media reported that 127 drones have been intercepted since the start of the conflict, though the figures could not be independently verified.
Saudi Arabia intercepts attacks, expels Iranian staff
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted multiple drones and ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
Authorities reported dozens of drones downed amid attacks on energy infrastructure.
In response, Riyadh ordered the expulsion of the Iranian embassy’s military attaché and four other staff members, giving them 24 hours to leave the country.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said it would take “all necessary measures” to protect its sovereignty and security, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter. EFE
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