April 5, New Delhi: Tensions in the Middle East have sharply increased following a 48-hour ultimatum issued by U.S. President Donald Trump to Iran, warning of serious consequences if Tehran does not reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz or reach an agreement by Monday.
Trump cautioned that "all hell will break loose" if Iran fails to act within the deadline. The Strait of Hormuz is a key global oil route, making the situation highly sensitive.
Amid rising tensions, Israel has also indicated that it is ready to strike Iranian energy facilities, but only after getting approval from the United States.
In response, Iran has issued a strong warning. A spokesperson for Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, said that any further escalation would turn the entire region into "hell" for both the U.S. and Israel.
Meanwhile, both U.S. and Iranian forces are searching for a missing American airman after Iran shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle in southwestern Iran on Friday. One crew member has been rescued, but the second is still missing in a remote mountainous area.
Iran has reportedly announced rewards for capturing the missing pilot, while search operations by both sides have entered the second day.
