Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran as Peace Framework Emerges Amid Rising Gas Prices
Iranian officials are evaluating a U.S. peace proposal after President Donald Trump warned of intensified airstrikes unless Iran agrees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump posted on social media Wednesday: “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than before.”
He recently halted a short U.S. military push to restore the vital shipping lane but vowed to keep blockading Iranian vessels and ports.
Strait Disruptions Hit Global Trade
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz stays far below normal, exacerbating fuel costs nationwide. Gas prices reached $4.56 per gallon on Wednesday evening, per GasBuddy data, with California averages exceeding $6 and over $5 in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Israel Strikes Beirut in Ceasefire Test
Separately, Israel launched its first attacks on Beirut since last month’s shaky truce with Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated strikes will persist until Hezbollah threats end for northern Israeli communities.