The war between US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other is in its fifth week, and things appear to be escalating, with Iran downing two US jets and Donald Trump threatening to if Tehran fails to make a deal or reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them,” Trump reminded Iran on Saturday, signalling that the conflict could escalate in the coming days in the absence of a truce deal.
Mahshahr petrochemical zone attacked
Trump’s comments on Saturday came hours after Iran claimed that its was hit by US-Israeli strikes, with Iranian media claiming that the attack killed five and injured 170.
The zone, also known as the Bandar Imam Petrochemical Complex, is one of Iran’s main petrochemical hubs, producing more than 72 million tonnes of output annually.
Search continues for US pilot
Although Trump refused to address the two US planes being shot down, reports suggest that the American troops are from the downed F-15 fighter jet.
Separately, Iran also downed an A-10 Warthog ground attack plane near the Strait of Hormuz, but its lone pilot was rescued shortly after.
Oil markets rattled
Amid the effective closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz, continue to show a strong upward trajectory, with the Brent crude benchmark hitting $109 on Saturday.
Brent crude was priced at around $72 a barrel prior to the start of the war, but has risen more than 50% since the US and Israel carried out strikes against Iran on 28 February, plunging the Middle East into chaos and prompting Iran to close off the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global energy trade.
Since then, Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran with myriad consequences, from strikes on its energy infrastructure to threats of letting “all hell” loose, if Tehran does not open up the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has also repeatedly requested help from allies in escorting ships through the crucial Strait, only to get snubbed.
Clock ticking
With Trump reminding Iranian leadership of his earlier deadline to Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the clock is ticking, and it remains to be seen whether Iran gives in to US demands.
Follow this space for LIVE updates from the war between US-Israel and Iran.
US-Iran war LIVE: Kuwait ministries complex hit by Iranian strikes
A complex housing several ministries, including the Kuwait ministry of finance, was also hit by Iranian strikes, causing “significant damage”, reported the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
“Employees of the Ministries Complex will work remotely on Sunday following a drone attack that caused significant material damage to the building,” KUNA said, adding that there were no injuries in the attack.
US-Iran war LIVE: Fire erupts in Kuwait oil complex after drone strike
The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said a fire erupted in the Shuwaikh oil sector complex, which houses the oil ministry and KPC headquarters, after a drone attack, the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) said.
No injuries were reported. Emergency and firefighting teams were dealing with the fire, it added.
US-Iran war LIVE: Iran launches fresh attacks against Israel, Kuwait
Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel and Kuwait early on Sunday, news agency AFP reported, hours after President Donald Trump said the Islamic republic had 48 hours to cut a deal or face “all Hell”.
Kuwait and Israel said their air defences were responding to the latest attacks from Iran.
About the Author
Shiladitya Ray specializes in covering geopolitics and science, and believes in communicating complex information through accessible, compelling, and if possible, visually engaging narratives. He has nearly 10 years of experience in digital media, and has been an Associate Editor with Mint for five months.<br><br>
Shiladitya holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Jadavpur University, and two master’s degrees in Development Studies and Sociology from TISS, Hyderabad and Delhi School of Economics respectively.<br><br>
Shiladitya has also completed a Data Journalism fellowship with Google News Initiative (GNI), where he was a standout performer. He was subsequently invited as a speaker to GNI’s AI Skills Workshop held in 2025, where he shared his previous work and experience in leveraging generative AI tools for data visualization with an audience of senior newsroom editors.<br><br>
Prior to joining Mint, Shiladitya was a Chief Sub-Editor with Deccan Herald, and has previously worked for digital media startups NewsBytes and Opoyi. He has also served as an academic editor for Cactus Communications, where he worked with scholars on manuscripts meant for journal publication.<br><br>
Shiladitya is based out of Delhi, is an avid reader, and has a keen interest in world affairs, science, philosophy, music, and football.
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