As Iran downplayed US President Donald Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz completely amid skyrocketing energy prices, he is reportedly sending a large number of sailors and marines to the Middle East region. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, 4,500 US sailors and Marines are 'heading to the Middle East', in preparation for a 'battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz and key energy installations'.
The United States and Iran threatened to target critical infrastructure on Sunday as the war in the Middle East, now in its fourth week, puts lives and livelihoods at risk throughout the region.
Iran threatens to completely close Hormuz
Iran said the Strait of Hormuz, crucial to oil and other exports, would be "completely closed" immediately if the US follows up on President Trump's threat to attack its power plants. Trump late Saturday set a 48-hour deadline to open the strait.
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There has been no sign of an uprising, nor of an end to the fighting that has shaken the global economy, sent oil prices surging and endangered some of the world's busiest air corridors. The war, which the US and Israel launched on February 28, has killed over 2,000 people.
Trump's 48-hour ultimatum
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz that connects the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world, while claiming safe passage for vessels from countries other than its enemies. Roughly one-fifth of global oil supply passes through it, but attacks on ships have stopped nearly all tanker traffic. Trump said if Iran didn't open the strait, the US would destroy its "various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!"
The US has argued that Iran's Revolutionary Guard controls much of the country's infrastructure and uses it to power the war effort. Under international law, power plants that benefit civilians can be targeted only if the military advantage outweighs the suffering it causes them, legal scholars say.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf responded on X that if Iran's power plants and infrastructure are targeted, then vital infrastructure across the region -- including energy and desalination facilities critical for drinking water in Gulf nations -- would be considered legitimate targets and "irreversibly destroyed."
Impacts on India if US starts Hormuz battle:
Fuel prices and inflation spike: More than 50 per cent of India's crude oil, nearly 2.5 million barrels per day passes through Hormuz; battle or any disruption pushes global prices higher, raising petrol, diesel, and transport costs fast.
Fertiliser and LPG shortages: Gulf shipments blocked urea and LPG supply hits Indian farmers and industry, food security risk and higher cooking gas prices.
Threat to Indians in Gulf: Escalation risks jobs, safety, and remittances 100 billion nearly year; possible evacuations if Iran retaliates on Gulf states.
Bottom line: Reserves 40-45 days prevent immediate crisis, but prolonged fight means big economic pain for India’s energy-dependent economy and situation volatile.
(With inputs from agency)
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