Trump issues Iran ultimatum over Strait of Hormuz closure. The U.S. President threatened to obliterate Iran's power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the vital shipping route within 48 hours, escalating Middle East tensions into week four. Iran countered with warnings to target U.S. infrastructure in the Gulf, including energy facilities and desalination plants. Parliament officials suggested financial entities supporting U.S. military budgets and Treasury bond buyers are legitimate targets. The conflict has rattled global markets as closure of this critical waterway threatens energy stability. Oil prices stabilized Monday, but analysts warn further escalations could push crude higher. U.S. stock markets ended last week significantly lower, with the S&P 500 down 1.5% and breaking below its 200-day moving average for the first time since May.
