US-Iran Tensions Escalate: Trump Threatens Infrastructure Strikes Amid Hormuz Standoff

Key Facts

1President Trump set a deadline of 8pm ET for Iran to reach a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz.

2Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants and bridges ('Bridge Day') if no deal is reached.

3Iran has stated it will retaliate against energy and water infrastructure of Gulf states if it is struck.

4Reports indicate that prospects for a 45-day ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran are slim.

President Donald Trump has issued a military ultimatum to Iran, setting an 8pm ET deadline for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. administration threatened to target critical Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, in an operation referred to as "Bridge Day" if no deal is reached. In response, Iranian authorities have vowed to retaliate by striking energy and water infrastructure across Gulf states if military action is taken against them. Diplomatic efforts appear to be faltering, with reports from Axios indicating that the prospects for a 45-day ceasefire agreement are currently slim. The heightened risk of direct conflict has triggered a surge in safe-haven demand, significantly boosting Gold (XAU/USD) and the Swiss Franc (USD/CHF). Global markets remain on high alert as the potential disruption of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz weighs heavily on risk sentiment and equity markets.