Donald Trump has issued his starkest warning yet, saying “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran fails to meet a final deadline tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions in the region surge dramatically.
Airstrikes hit key infrastructure in Iran, including bridges and transport networks, while Tehran responded with missile attacks toward Israel and Saudi Arabia, escalating fears of a wider regional conflict.
The strategic waterway — through which roughly 20 per cent of global oil flows — remains at the centre of the standoff, with its disruption sending energy prices soaring worldwide.
Iranian officials have mobilized civilians to protect critical sites, while warning of broader retaliation that could impact global oil supply if attacks intensify.
International leaders, including the United Nations, have cautioned that strikes on civilian infrastructure could violate international law and trigger a dangerous cycle of escalation.
Despite ongoing backchannel talks, no agreement has been reached, leaving the situation on edge as the deadline approaches and the risk of large-scale conflict looms.