The war in the Middle East has entered its sixth week. While expressing belief in the possibility of an agreement with Iran, Donald Trump has threatened, with insults in tow, to target Iranian infrastructure as his ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches expiration. Furthermore, the U.S. president praised the “miraculous” rescue of an American aviator, “gravely injured” on Iranian soil. Israel has also challenged Iranian leaders and continued its strikes in Lebanon, resulting in at least 11 deaths. Here’s what you need to know from today:
As deadline nears for Strait of Hormuz ultimatum, Donald Trump threatens (and insults) Iran
“Open the damn strait, you bastards, or you will live in hell – you’ll see,” wrote the American president on his Truth Social network on Sunday morning. The day before, the Republican billionaire reminded that his ultimatum, issued ten days earlier, would expire Monday evening at 8 p.m. (Washington time), after which he would “unleash hell” on Iranian infrastructure. Later on Sunday, Donald Trump posted a cryptic message on his social network. “Tuesday, 8 p.m. Eastern time [U.S.],” he wrote, without specifying if it was a delay of the ultimatum or not.
Iran responded through the Parliament president: “Your reckless actions are leading the United States into a real hell for every family,” wrote Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in a message in English, published on X. “Our entire region will burn because you insist on following the orders of [Benjamin] Netanyahu,” he continued, referring to the Israeli Prime Minister, whose country is an ally of the United States. “The only real solution is to respect the rights of the Iranian people and end this dangerous game,” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated.
Despite his strong message, Donald Trump still believed there were “good chances” of reaching an agreement with Iran. This was stated by the American president during an interview with a Fox News journalist on Sunday.
Gulf countries call for diplomatic “efforts”
The United Arab Emirates once again stated on Sunday that they were ready to “join any effort” led by the United States or the international community to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s regular strategy targeting its Gulf neighbors since the start of the war may increase Israel’s influence in the region, according to presidential adviser Anwar Gargash.
In another Gulf monarchy, Oman’s official news agency assured authorities had discussed the Strait of Hormuz issue with Iran. Diplomats from both countries presented “possible options” for reopening the crucial passage for global hydrocarbon supply.
Strategic sites in Gulf countries damaged by Iranian strikes
Throughout the day, several energy sites were targeted by Iran in Gulf countries. In Bahrain, an Iranian drone attack caused a fire in a reservoir owned by the state-owned oil company, Bapco. The damages are currently being evaluated with no reported injuries. In Abu Dhabi, UAE, authorities fought fires at the Borouge petrochemical plant due to Iranian shots intercepting, causing debris to fall. There were reports of an “incident” at the Khor Fakkan port, east of the country, near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, and an unknown projectile incident near a container ship.
The Kuwait Ministry announced Iranian attacks caused “significant damage” to two power and water desalination plants, as well as the capital’s ministerial complex. The national oil company also reported “significant damage” to several oil installations due to drone attacks igniting fires.
OPEC+ increases production quotas, warns repairing damaged energy sites will take “a lot of time”
Even if the conflict in the Middle East ends quickly, global oil supply will be durably affected, as warned by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+). They mentioned the expensive and time-consuming process of restoring damaged energy facilities in the Gulf countries. OPEC+ has decided to adjust production by 206,000 barrels per day from May, following a production increase for April shortly after the conflict began.
