US President Donald Trump on Saturday gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping or face the destruction of its energy infrastructure, as Tehran launched its most destructive attack yet on Israel. Trump’s ultimatum Saturday landed hours after two Iranian missiles struck southern Israel, injuring more than 100 people in the most destructive attack since the war began. The United Arab Emirates said Saturday it faced aerial attacks after Iran warned it against allowing strikes from its territory on disputed islands near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has choked off the vital waterway, which carries a fifth of global crude oil trade in peacetime. Trump has slammed NATO allies as “cowards” and urged them to secure the strait.

Source: Punch March 22, 2026 09:07 UTC