APTOPIX Lebanon Israel Iran War

U.S. President Donald Trump has again warned Tehran over his Monday deadline to open the crucial Strait of Hormuz and allow ship traffic to flow again, and Iran has responded by threatening to open “the gates of hell.” The U.S. military meanwhile searched a remote area in Iran for a second day Saturday after a warplane was shot down and a pilot went missing. Israel confirmed striking a petrochemical complex in Iran, and state media there said at least five people are dead. Meanwhile, Iran's top diplomat signaled willingness for talks as Pakistan said efforts were “right on track.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an expletive-filled threat to escalate strikes on Iran if it doesn't open the Strait of Hormuz by his Tuesday deadline. It follows the U.S. rescue of an aviator whose plane was downed by Iran. Trump on Sunday promised strikes on Iran’s power plants and bridges. Iran shows no sign of backing down and has hit targets in Gulf Arab countries. Both sides threaten civilian targets. War crime concerns have been raised. Diplomatic efforts continue with countries like Oman and Pakistan trying to mediate. The war, now in its sixth week, has already caused significant casualties and economic disruption.