Iran Defies Trump Deadline as Hormuz Standoff Intensifies
Dubai — Iran rejected a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal and refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, as hostilities with Israel continued and a deadline set by Donald Trump for Tehran to comply or face major strikes loomed.
A proposal brokered by Pakistan called for an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the strait, followed by negotiations on a broader settlement within weeks, according to a source familiar with the plan. Iran declined the offer, instead outlining conditions including sanctions relief, regional de-escalation, and reconstruction measures, state media reported.
Trump reiterated threats to target Iranian infrastructure if Tehran failed to meet his demands by the deadline, warning that bridges and power plants could be destroyed. He said the United States could “take out” the country if an agreement was not reached.Fighting continued across the region.
The Israeli military said it carried out airstrikes on Iranian government infrastructure in Tehran and other areas, while intercepting missiles launched from Iran. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting ballistic missiles over its eastern region, with debris falling near energy facilities, and issued public safety alerts alongside the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Iran’s envoy to the United Nations condemned the U.S. threats as a violation of international law, while senior Iranian officials dismissed Trump’s warnings. Authorities also called for civilian demonstrations to protect infrastructure sites.
A synagogue in central Tehran was damaged by a projectile, according to local media, as the conflict widened beyond military targets.Global oil markets remained under pressure, with prices hovering around $110 per barrel amid uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply.
The continued disruption has raised concerns about inflation and energy security worldwide.The conflict, which began after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, has led to thousands of casualties across the region.
A U.S. fighter jet was also downed last week, underscoring the escalating risks for Washington as the crisis deepens.
