Trump Threatens Total Destruction of Iran's Infrastructure; Global Economy Staggers

Trump issued an expletive-laden ultimatum threatening to obliterate every bridge and power station in Iran in just four hours.

The Strait of Hormuz is the chokepoint through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil is transported.

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Iran had effectively closed it for over five weeks.

Oil prices almost doubled, and the closure precipitated a shortage in fertilizer and helium byproducts.

Military experts doubted the feasibility of Trump's threat given Iran's size.

The economic effects of the Iran war were profoundly negative and sustained across the globe.

South Korea's president urged citizens to save every drop of fuel.

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Pakistan implemented a mandatory four-day work week.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatened approximately 20% of global oil shipments.

Even if Iran complied, the cycle would remain disrupted for a significant period.

Trump announced the US had reached a two-week ceasefire with Iran, contingent on the Strait of Hormuz reopening.

“What the US military could do if Iran fails to meet Trump's ultimatum The clock is ticking on President Donald Trump's threat to wipe out much of Iran's civilian infrastructure if the country doesn't strike a deal by Tuesday evening in the US”

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The ceasefire was mediated through Pakistan.

Iran's Foreign Minister said Iran would observe the ceasefire if attacks are halted.

This came after weeks of deadline delays and escalating threats.

The Gulf Cooperation Council and UN Security Council members issued reciprocal ultimatums.

Trump's threats sparked widespread condemnation from legal scholars and the U.N.

The UN Secretary-General had warned the US that attacks on civilian infrastructure are banned under international law.

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Trump dismissed such concerns.

Experts noted that targeting civilian infrastructure can never be regarded as legitimate self-defence.

The escalating rhetoric spooked global markets.