Trump Sets Attack Deadline for Iran Over Hormuz Block

The United States set a Tuesday 8 p.m. deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions around one of the world’s most important shipping corridors. President Trump warned that if the waterway is not reopened by that time, the US would respond with major military action, including the possibility of bombardment targeting Iranian infrastructure.

Trump delivered the warning during a Monday news conference, using unusually stark language to underline the threat. He said Iran’s infrastructure could be destroyed in a single night, and indicated an attack could occur as soon as Tuesday. The ultimatum, as described by officials, raises the risk of a direct confrontation between the two countries.

The deadline came after a diplomatic effort aimed at reducing tensions failed. The United States, working with regional mediators, had proposed a 45-day cessation of hostilities with Tehran. Under that plan, Iran would have been expected to guarantee safe passage and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic during the period of calm.

Tehran rejected the proposed terms, ending that initiative. Iran then offered a counterproposal, which Trump said was “not good enough” to secure a ceasefire. At the same time, he described the counteroffer as “a significant step,” signaling that while the immediate standoff has intensified, a narrow channel for further talks may still exist.

The Strait of Hormuz is widely viewed as a critical energy chokepoint, and the source material describes a significant percentage of global oil shipments moving through the narrow channel each day. A prolonged disruption would heighten risks for international energy markets and the broader global economy, given the strait’s role in seaborne oil flows and the sensitivity of prices to supply interruptions.

With the deadline approaching, international observers are watching for signs of military posturing in the Persian Gulf and for any last-minute diplomatic movement. The next 24 hours were described as decisive for whether the crisis eases or shifts into open military conflict, with the potential for wider regional instability if the standoff deepens.