Heavy bombardment in Tehran as Iran rejects Trump’s ultimatum; Oil prices surge.

Tehran and several other Iranian cities faced heavy bombardment from US and Israeli forces on Monday as the conflict entered its sixth week. This escalation comes after Tehran officially rejected President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to reach an agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday. Trump had earlier warned that “all hell will reign down” on the nation if the deadline was not met. In retaliation, Iran launched strikes against the city of Haifa.

International pressure is mounting as the foreign ministers of Russia and China called for an immediate ceasefire, stating it is the only fundamental way to resolve the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Following the Easter holiday weekend, global oil prices opened significantly higher this Monday as the market reacted to the escalating military pressure and the potential for a prolonged energy crisis.

(With inputs from Iran International)

For more details: Navamalayalam.com