Iran War

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.

President Donald Trump has expanded his threat against Iran to include all power plants and bridges as his Tuesday ultimatum approaches. This comes after Tehran on Monday rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal, demanding a permanent end to the war. Trump insists that Iran must open the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping traffic. Israel has increased pressure by attacking a major petrochemical plant and killing key Iranian commanders. Asked if he was concerned about accusations of war crimes, Trump responded, “No, not at all.” Negotiations continue with mediators from Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey attempting to broker a ceasefire.

A black banner hangs over the border crossing and portraits of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stare down, promising vengeance against the United States and Israel. But on the 12-hour drive south to the capital, Tehran, daily life continues, with only occasional signs of the ongoing war, including a Shiite religious center that officials say was damaged by a recent airstrike. Associated Press reporters made the journey on Saturday after crossing into Iran from Turkey. They gained a glimpse of the country at the center of a regional war that has jolted the world economy and shows no sign of ending.