Trump’s new 48-hour deadline for Iran: What we know

President Donald Trump issued Iran with a 48-hour deadline to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, after which he says the US will “obliterate” Iranian power plants.

In peacetime, around 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments passes through the strait, making it critical for global energy supplies.

Trump posted on his Truth Social platform at 23:44 GMT on 21 March, meaning Iran has until 23:44 GMT on 23 March (03:14 in Tehran on 24 March), to meet the US president’s demand.

He posted: “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!”

Tehran says it will target US-linked energy sites across the Gulf region if it is attacked, according to Iranian state media.

Iran’s blockade and attacks on ships in the Strait has seen oil prices soar over recent weeks.