What happened
The US military struck more than 50 military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island on Monday, according to US and White House officials. Kharg handles nearly all of Iran’s oil exports.
The strikes mark the second US attack on the strategically vital island since the war began 39 days ago. US officials said the targets were military installations, not oil export infrastructure.
Why it matters
The attack came roughly 12 hours before President Trump’s self-imposed deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil shipping lane. The escalation raises the stakes for a conflict already driving global fuel prices to multi-year highs.
Iran’s response
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned it would “deprive the US and its allies of the region’s oil and gas for years” if Trump follows through on threats to destroy civilian infrastructure. Iran’s military dismissed Trump’s rhetoric as “delusional.”
Iran also declared that its restraint in targeting oil infrastructure in the region would no longer apply. The statement marked a shift from Iran’s previous position of avoiding direct strikes on energy assets.
Trump’s ultimatum
Trump warned that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran does not agree to a deal. He repeated his threat of “complete demolition” of Iranian bridges and power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by 8pm ET on Tuesday.
Iran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal, saying it wants a permanent end to the war rather than a temporary pause.
What happens next
The Tuesday evening deadline is now the focal point. If no agreement is reached, Trump has signalled a broader campaign against Iranian civilian infrastructure. Oil markets and global shipping routes remain at immediate risk.