Iran says Hormuz open to all but ‘enemy-linked’ ships amid US threat - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiswFBVV95cUxNWDVFUmlkOTcxUnBFQWNBZEloZjl4OFJUYVpaU0VCT2dBWFJaZ2dISTczd1ItSXRoMTRlSzRfLUl0UDlMYXFkV2MyT0g5WXVrNHcxZ2w3VXlCQkk5YllvSS1lVFM3RS1nVmNud2w3RVRjdGd3V3Jjcl82MUNLRk80bFJqVTBlaTA5UlN1ZHVJMlBlOE1tVkRkYzA2WUc2Tm1aQy1yaEJFQVJ1b2J5R3ZaZmh3aw?oc=5" target="_blank">Iran says Hormuz open to all but ‘enemy-linked’ ships amid US threat</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran, demanding that it fully reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face attacks on its power infrastructure, including major facilities like the Bushehr nuclear plant. This comes amid the fourth week of conflict, as Iran launched missile strikes on the Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad, near Israel's key nuclear research center, marking a significant breach in Israeli air defense.

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a severe ultimatum to Iran, stating the U.S. will “obliterate” Iranian power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened within 48 hours. In response, Iran has threatened retaliation against U.S. and Israeli infrastructure. The crisis intensified when Iranian missiles struck southern Israel, injuring dozens near a nuclear site. The conflict, now in its fourth week, has claimed over 2,500 lives across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the U.S., with millions displaced.

Despite the ongoing war involving Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil shipping route—about 90 ships, including 16 oil tankers, have managed to cross the strait between March 1 and 15, 2026. According to maritime data sources like Lloyd’s List Intelligence and Kpler, Iran continues to export significant amounts of oil, exceeding 16 million barrels since early March, mostly to China. Many vessels have undertaken 'dark' transits to bypass Western sanctions, with increasing involvement from India and Pakistan, which have engaged in diplomatic talks with Iran to ensure passage.

Seven U.S. allies, including major Western powers, have issued a joint statement supporting the idea of forming a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial and oil shipping, amid escalating tensions due to Iran’s actions in the region. While this shows political solidarity with the U.S., the allies have not committed to providing military assets, such as naval ships, to enforce such an operation. The move appears largely symbolic and aimed at appeasing President Trump's demands for more allied involvement, especially as he criticizes NATO partners for inaction. The U.K. has taken the lead in rallying support and has already engaged militarily by dispatching officers to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in Florida for coalition planning. Notably, countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Japan have previously ruled out sending naval support and have not changed their stance despite endorsing the statement. The situation reflects the U.S.’s struggle to turn political support into actionable military cooperation amid a broader crisis involving Iranian control of the strategic waterway.

President Trump's shifting strategy over the Strait of Hormuz, including threats to destroy Iran's civilian power infrastructure, raises concerns about U.S. preparedness and potential escalation.

President Trump's ultimatum to Iran has backfired, with Iran issuing new threats to destroy key infrastructure in neighboring Middle Eastern countries in response to U.S. actions.