Iran live updates: Trump threatens Iran's power plants if strait not opened in 2 days

The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated as President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum demanding that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face targeted strikes on its power plants. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage responsible for about 20% of global oil shipments, has been effectively blocked by Iran since the onset of hostilities. Trump specifically threatened to "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants, starting with the largest facility, believed to be the Damavand Combined Cycle Power Plant near Tehran. The war, now in its fourth week, began with coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28 targeting Iranian military and government sites, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been named as his successor. In retaliation, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against Israel, U.S. bases in the region, and Gulf nations, while also intensifying efforts to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Israel has concurrently escalated its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, an Iran-backed militia. The conflict has drawn international attention, with 22 countries issuing a joint statement on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. U.S. Central Command has reported progress in military operations, despite ongoing Iranian missile strikes, including a recent attack on a building in Dimona, Israel. Additionally, Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility has reportedly been targeted again in U.S.-Israeli strikes. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further regional destabilization and significant impacts on global energy markets if the strait remains closed.