Cyprus Times

Trump's Ultimatum to Iran for Hormuz Strait Nears Deadline

Published March 23, 2026, 09:10
Trump's Ultimatum to Iran for Hormuz Strait Nears Deadline

Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz is nearing its deadline, in the early hours of Tuesday. Trump threatened to “bomb and destroy” Iranian power stations if Iran does not open the sea passage, where ship traffic has almost completely paralyzed. If Washington carries out the threat, Iran has warned that it will permanently close the Strait, through which 20% of global oil and gas trade passes. Already, cargo transport has collapsed by 95% since the start of the war. Despite assurances from Israel and the US that they have “decimated” Iranian leadership, Tehran continues its retaliatory attacks and threats. Concern is growing regarding attacks on nuclear facilities. The war has entered a “dangerous phase,” according to the World Health Organization, which calls on all warring parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could cause nuclear accidents.