Asian Markets Crash as US Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz

Asian equity markets experienced a massive sell-off, with the Nikkei 225 plunging by more than 2,000 points in a single session. South Korea’s KOSPI index also sank by 6% as geopolitical tensions triggered widespread panic and a flight to safety among global investors. The turmoil follows a 48-hour ultimatum issued by US President Donald Trump, demanding that Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of its power facilities. In response, Tehran cautioned that any US military action would be met with strikes against American energy infrastructure in the Gulf and a prolonged shutdown of the strategic waterway. This escalation has heightened fears of a long-term disruption to global oil supplies and energy security. Analysts expect extreme volatility to persist across global markets as the deadline approaches and military posturing intensifies.