Trump Threatens Strikes on Iranian Oil as Hormuz Shipping Crisis Deepens

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply over the last 24 hours as President Donald Trump vowed to target Iran’s oil infrastructure and potentially seize maritime terminals. The threat follows a series of overnight military exchanges. In response, Iranian military leadership has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all vessels, a move that threatens global oil flows and has prompted India to urge the UN Security Council for immediate restraint and the safeguarding of freedom of navigation. Despite the heightened military rhetoric, a parallel diplomatic track appears to be emerging. Reports indicate that President Trump canceled at least one planned military strike, citing a potential breakthrough in back-channel negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. However, the situation remains volatile as both nations continue to project military readiness and economic pressure. Internally, Iran has intensified its security operations, with local reports confirming over 700 arrests for alleged spying since the start of the war. Additionally, intelligence suggests that despite recent hostilities, a significant portion of Iran's enriched uranium inventory remains secure, indicating that the nuclear dimensions of the conflict persist alongside the maritime and economic crises.