By Philomina Brando
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face military strikes on its power infrastructure.
Trump made this known in a late-night post on his Truth Social account, warning that Washington would take decisive action if Tehran failed to comply.
The warning comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and mounting fears over disruptions to global energy supplies following Iran’s continued restriction of the critical shipping route.
“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Trump said.
He stressed that the waterway must be reopened without obstruction to avert a direct military response, adding that the United States would prioritise major power facilities in any potential strike.
The crisis, involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, has persisted since February 28, 2026, with the Strait heavily restricted since the onset.
Shipping through the channel, which accounts for roughly one-fifth of global oil transport and significant volumes of natural gas, has been severely curtailed.
Major marine insurers, including Gard, Skuld, NorthStandard, London P&I Club, and American Club, withdrew war risk coverage for vessels operating in the Gulf region on March 1, 2026.
In response, Trump announced on March 3 that the US Navy could escort vessels through the strait, with additional political risk insurance backed by the United States Development Finance Corporation.
Despite these interventions, the blockade has persisted, prompting Trump on March 14 to call on countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom to deploy naval forces to support efforts to secure the waterway.
The latest ultimatum marks a significant escalation in attempts to force the reopening of the strait.
The disruption has already rattled global energy markets, driving up crude oil and refined product prices while threatening aviation fuel supplies.
Airlines are facing possible cancellations of long-haul flights due to anticipated jet fuel shortages linked to the crisis.
Countries such as China, Thailand, and Vietnam have restricted fuel exports to safeguard domestic supply, worsening the global shortage.
In Nigeria, petrol prices have surged to between N1,300 and N1,350 per litre, while jet fuel now sells above N2,200 per litre, compared to N900–N1,000 before the conflict.
Days earlier, foreign ministers from 12 countries, including Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, issued a joint statement urging Iran to cease attacks and reopen the strait, emphasising the need to uphold international law and maritime security.