Trump issues ultimatum to Iran over Strait of Hormuz, threatens U.S. military strikes

President Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran demanding it open the Strait of Hormuz, threatening U.S. military action if the country refuses compliance. Iran responded by stating it would launch strikes across the region in retaliation. The confrontation escalates tensions over a critical global shipping chokepoint through which roughly one-third of seaborne traded oil passes. The direct threat-and-counter-threat exchange raises the risk of military escalation in the Persian Gulf.