Source : Perth Now news
US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening to “obliterate” key power plants unless the country lifts its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
In a post shared on Truth Social, Mr Trump said Iran had 48 hours to allow safe passage through the narrow waterway, which carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply.
“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST,” Mr Trump wrote.
“Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is the only maritime entry and exit point for tankers transporting crude oil from the Persian Gulf. Disruption to shipping through the strait has intensified volatility in global energy markets, driving fuel prices sharply higher.
Mr Trump has repeatedly called on NATO allies to increase pressure on Tehran to reopen the route, accusing some partners of benefiting from US military efforts while avoiding direct involvement.
“They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a nuclear-powered Iran. Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices,” Mr Trump said in an earlier post on Truth Social.
The escalating rhetoric comes amid growing concern the conflict could further disrupt global supply chains, with energy costs already rising across international markets.
Mr Trump also criticised Australia’s level of involvement in the conflict, suggesting allies should play a more active role.
The president on Friday told journalists that Australia should get involved and that he was “a little bit surprised that they said no because we always say yes to them”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Mr Trump had not formally requested additional Australian support.
“We have done what we have asked been asked to do,” Mr Albanese said at a press conference in Melbourne.
“The truth is that we have said yes to the request from the UAE for the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft that is operating there with personnel operating as well. In addition to that, we’ve sent AMRAAM (interceptor missiles).
“That’s making a difference as well, to intercept missiles or drones aimed at the UAE. So we continue to provide the support that we have been asked to provide.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically significant waterways, and any prolonged disruption threatens to amplify inflation pressures globally as governments seek to manage the economic fallout of the conflict.
