The President of the United States, Donald Trump, heightened tensions in the Middle East on Saturday by warning that Iran has only 48 hours to reach an agreement or reopen the Strait of Hormuz, otherwise it will face an offensive against its energy infrastructure.

“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to make a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz? Time is running out: 48 hours before all hell breaks loose on them,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The warning comes as the ten-day ultimatum set by Washington is about to expire, with the deadline ending on April 6 at 8:00 p.m. Washington time. Trump had previously extended the deadline after indicating that indirect talks with Tehran were taking place, although on Saturday he suggested there would be no further extensions.

At the center of the conflict is the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world’s transported oil passes. Its partial closure, amid the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, has shaken international markets, driven up oil prices and disrupted global shipping routes.

Trump also reiterated that if Iran does not reopen the maritime passage or agree to a deal, the United States could strike Iranian power plants, refineries and oil infrastructure. International experts have warned that a deliberate attack on civilian energy facilities could constitute a war crime.

Meanwhile, the war in the region is entering its sixth week. The conflict began on February 28 following joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Tehran. In recent hours, the U.S. military has continued searching for a missing pilot after Iran shot down an American fighter jet identified as an F-15E Strike Eagle.

Indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue with mediation from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, although so far no significant progress has been reported.