The war between the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its sixth week with tensions and violence intensifying across the Middle East.
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strict ultimatum demanding Iran reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening or face more attacks, including on power plants and bridges, according to CNN and other outlets.
Iran has refused to comply unless it is fully compensated for war damages, keeping the waterway largely closed and disrupting global oil flows.
The closure of the Strait has driven global oil prices sharply higher, with Brent crude above $110 per barrel, and gas prices in the U.S. rising to multi‑year highs.
Amid the fighting, U.S. and Israeli strikes have hit Iranian infrastructure, including the South Pars petrochemical complex, while Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the region.
Efforts by mediators, including a Pakistani‑brokered ceasefire proposal, have been discussed but haven’t stopped the conflict, as Tehran has rejected terms tied to reopening the Strait.
The crisis is drawing broad international concern, with Russia’s Kremlin warning the entire Middle East is “on fire” and European officials condemning threats against civilian infrastructure.
This war continues to have major economic and humanitarian consequences, with oil markets watching every development and civilians caught in escalating violence.
