RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The escalating conflict in the Middle East entered its 24th day on Monday, with tensions reaching a critical point as a deadline looms on an ultimatum issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump to Iran. The situation is further complicated by reports of ballistic missile attacks targeting the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia, according to the kingdom’s Ministry of Defense.
Trump’s demand centers on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil supplies. He has threatened to “strike and annihilate” Iranian power plants, “STARTING WITH THE LARGEST!” should Iran fail to comply by Monday evening, as indicated in a message posted on his Truth Social platform on Saturday. According to that post, the ultimatum is set to expire at 7:44 PM Eastern Time.
The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which currently sees a 95% reduction in goods transit since the start of the war, has raised significant concerns. According to the analytics firm Kpler, only a limited number of cargo ships and tankers have been able to pass through the crucial maritime passage. Iran has warned that it will completely close the strait if the U.S. Carries out its threats.
The stakes are high as the conflict expands. On Friday, Iran attacked the Diego Garcia base, located 2,500 miles from Tehran, and on Saturday, both Iranian and Israeli nuclear facilities were targeted in reciprocal strikes – Natanz in Iran and Dimona in Israel. This escalation follows a pattern of increasing aggression in the region.
“Sometimes you have to have escalation to de-escalate,” said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Still, the situation remains volatile, and Israel is preparing for “several more weeks of fighting” against Iran and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah group in Lebanon, officials said Sunday.
The development underscores growing regional tensions and the potential for a wider conflict. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the outcome could have significant implications for global energy markets and geopolitical stability.
