Trump Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz as Geopolitical Risks Surge

Key Facts

US President Donald Trump has issued a critical 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding the immediate reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The US administration threatened to target Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure if the demands are not met within the specified timeframe. Iran responded with warnings of severe retaliation, significantly heightening fears of a direct regional military conflict. This escalation has triggered a massive spike in geopolitical risk, driving safe-haven demand for Gold (XAU/USD) and pushing Oil prices (WTI and BRENT) sharply higher. Conversely, global equities and risk-sensitive assets are facing downward pressure, with the SPY ETF reacting to the heightened uncertainty. Investors are closely monitoring the situation, as the potential disruption of a major oil transit point poses a severe threat to global energy security.