Trump had anticipated a swift, short-term campaign to force Iran into submission after the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on February 28. However, Iran retaliated with attacks on US bases in the Gulf and Israeli targets, signalling a more sustained confrontation. Early in the war, Trump declared that the US had “won” and that Iran’s capabilities were “virtually destroyed”. On March 22, Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face the “obliteration” of its power plants. The Islamic Republic of Iran adheres to its position rejecting any type of negotiations before achieving Iran’s goals from the war,” Iran’s foreign ministry said in a statement as quoted by CBS News.

Source: The Star March 23, 2026 19:01 UTC