The Middle East conflict entered its fourth week with new warnings over the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Persian Gulf, as the US and Iran traded claims and denials and Israel opened a separate investigation into its air defence performance.
According to the latest developments, US President Donald Trump on Saturday, as per IST, issued Iran a 48 hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a strategic maritime route and any disruption has immediate implications for energy shipments and regional security.
Iran responded in a defiant tone, warning that if threats of strikes on power plants translate into action, Iranian forces would target critical infrastructure and energy facilities across the region. Tehran also indicated it would tighten its blockade of the strait if the US attacks Iran’s power grid.
Iran issues fresh warning on islands and the Persian Gulf
In another statement linked to the maritime standoff, Iran warned that the “entire Persian Gulf” would be blocked if islands are attacked. The warning adds to concerns about the scope of any escalation near key shipping lanes.
F-15 claim near Hormuz Island, US calls it a rumour
On the military front, Iran claimed it intercepted and targeted a US F 15 fighter jet near Hormuz Island after the aircraft allegedly violated Iranian airspace.
The United States rejected the claim, describing it as a “rumour.” No additional confirmation from independent sources was cited in the available information.
Israel investigates how missiles got through
Separately, US ally Israel has launched an investigation into how Iranian missiles were able to evade its air defence systems during strikes on southern Israel on Saturday local time. The inquiry is aimed at understanding how the missiles penetrated defences during the latest round of attacks.
The latest updates reflect heightened uncertainty in the region, with developments spanning maritime access, military claims near Hormuz Island and renewed scrutiny of air defence capabilities in Israel.