Trump Issues Final Deadline for Iran to Reopen Strait of Hormuz amid Escalating Strikes

President Donald Trump has issued a formal ultimatum to Tehran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. Eastern time. The President warned that failure to comply would result in the systematic destruction of Iran's bridges and power plants. This escalation follows a series of U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure, including railway networks and the Kharg Island oil terminal, which handles the majority of Iran's crude exports. Iranian officials reported at least 18 civilian casualties from recent strikes in a single province. In response to the threats, the Iranian government has rejected current ceasefire proposals mediated by Pakistan, labeling them a temporary "pause" intended to benefit U.S. military interests. To protect critical infrastructure, Tehran has called on its citizens to form human chains around power plants as a form of civilian resistance. Domestic military leadership continues to maintain a de facto blockade of the Strait, while the U.S. remains positioned to escalate further. The U.S. military has already conducted dozens of strikes on Kharg Island, reportedly neutralizing its military installations. However, President Trump has indicated that ground forces could be deployed and the island itself could be seized to ensure the free flow of maritime traffic. While Iranian diplomats state they remain open to negotiations for a permanent end to the war, U.S. officials suggest the diplomatic gap between the two nations remains significant.