India, March 22 -- Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated after US President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that Iran has 48 hours to fully restore shipping access to the strait or face severe military consequences.

"If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz. the United States will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS," Trump said, adding that strikes would begin with Iran's largest facilities.

Iran responds with counter-threats

Iran swiftly retaliated with its own warning. The country's military command, Khatam al-Anbiya, said any attack on Irania...