[Financial News] President Donald Trump warned on the 21st (local time) that if Iran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, he will reduce Iran’s power plants to rubble. His remarks are being seen as an attempt to pressure Iran to reopen the waterway by even raising the possibility of strikes on its energy infrastructure, as concerns grow over the global energy market amid soaring oil prices caused by Iran’s closure of the strait. Posting on Truth Social the same day, Trump said, "If Iran does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping without any threats within 48 hours from now, the United States will attack and obliterate Iran’s various power plants, starting with its largest power plant." After the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on the 28th of last month, Iran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s crude oil shipments pass. Iran’s blockade of the strait has sent international oil prices sharply higher, prompting warnings that a prolonged crisis could inevitably shock the global economy. Before issuing the 48-hour warning, Trump had asked seven countries, including South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, France and China, to help escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz and provide other support. However, these countries have taken a cautious stance on military involvement and have not committed to participating. In response, Trump complained about the passive attitude of U.S. allies, saying, "We don’t need help from other countries." Trump’s move to set a '48-hour' deadline and even raise the possibility of strikes on Iran’s power plants is effectively being interpreted as an ultimatum. It is seen as a warning that if the blockade of the strait drags on, the United States could expand its military operations. Earlier, United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East, announced that it had weakened Iran’s military capabilities that were threatening the Strait of Hormuz by striking underground missile facilities along Iran’s coastline with 5,000‐pound (about 2.3‐ton) bombs. According to the U.S. military, these facilities had been used to secretly store anti-ship cruise missiles, mobile missile launchers and other equipment that posed a threat to international shipping. After the U.S. military degraded Iran’s ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz, Trump’s mention of possible strikes on power plants suggests that Washington is gradually ratcheting up military pressure on Iran to force the reopening of the strait. It remains uncertain whether Iran, which has maintained a hard-line stance against the United States and Israel, will comply with Washington’s demand to reopen the strait. If it does not, there is a possibility that the United States could actually strike Iran’s power plants and other energy facilities. Analysts warn that such action could trigger Iranian retaliation and heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, further raising the risk of military conflict. jjw@fnnews.com Jung Ji-woo Reporter