Trump warns Iran it has 48 hours left as airman remains missing

Key Points:

• Former President Trump issued a stern ultimatum to Iran to either make a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, threatening US strikes on Iran’s civilian energy infrastructure if demands are not met, a move that could violate international law.
• The US continues search-and-rescue operations for crew members of two combat aircraft shot down by Iran, marking the first known US or Israeli combat plane losses since the conflict began; one crew member has been rescued, while the status of others remains unclear.
• Iran has escalated missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, targeting energy facilities in the UAE and Kuwait and striking sites in Israel, while US and Israeli forces continue airstrikes on Iranian military and petrochemical targets.
• Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict are stalling, with Iran rejecting US demands and preparing to maintain missile capabilities despite bombardments; meanwhile, international actors including NATO and Gulf states are seeking ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and prevent further disruption of global energy supplies.
• The conflict has caused severe regional instability, with over 5,000 deaths reported and global oil prices surging above $111 per barrel, raising political concerns for the US ahead of upcoming elections and prompting proposals for UN Security Council action to secure the vital shipping route.