Trump threatens Iran strike; Asian nations secure Hormuz passage

WASHINGTON, D.C. / GLOBAL WATERS — U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening to “take out” the country “in one night” if Tehran fails to meet a U.S. deadline to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, even as several Asian nations, including the Philippines, move independently to secure safe passage for their vessels.

Trump set a deadline of 20:00 Washington time Tuesday (00:00 GMT Wednesday) for what he described as an “acceptable” agreement ensuring the free flow of energy through the Gulf. Speaking at the White House alongside Dan Caine and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the president warned that failure to comply could trigger sweeping U.S. military action targeting Iran’s infrastructure.

“The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,” Trump said, adding that Iran could be left with “no bridges” and “no power plants” if the deadline is ignored.

Despite the strong rhetoric, Trump maintained that some Iranian leaders were negotiating in “good faith,” though he acknowledged uncertainty over the outcome. Tehran has rejected proposals for a temporary ceasefire, instead demanding a permanent end to hostilities and the lifting of sanctions.

The remarks came days after U.S. forces recovered two crew members from a downed F-15 fighter jet in southern Iran, an operation Trump described as “heroic.” He reiterated that the United States could strike Iran’s energy and transport systems if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

However, legal experts have raised concerns that sustained attacks on civilian infrastructure could violate international law. A former legal adviser to the National Security Council warned that “obliterating all power plants” or coercing civilian populations to force political concessions would be “flatly illegal.”

Trump dismissed such concerns earlier, saying he was not “worried” and asserting that Iranians would be “willing to suffer to have freedom,” even as he denied that regime change was his objective.

The U.S. president also criticized allies including the United Kingdom, NATO, and South Korea for what he described as a lack of support during the conflict, saying their inaction would leave a lasting mark on alliances.

According to U.S. Central Command, American forces have conducted more than 13,000 strikes across Iran since the conflict began.

Even as tensions escalate, several countries have pursued direct diplomatic arrangements with Tehran to ensure the continued flow of energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries roughly one-fifth of global oil supply.

The Philippines is among the latest to secure assurances from Iran. Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said Tehran guaranteed the “safe, unhindered and expeditious passage” of Philippine-flagged vessels following what she described as a “very productive” phone conversation.

The agreement is considered critical for Manila, which imports about 98% of its oil from the Middle East and was the first country to declare a national energy emergency after fuel prices surged following the outbreak of hostilities.

Other Asian nations, including Pakistan, India, Malaysia, and China, have also reached or acknowledged similar arrangements, though the scope and durability of these assurances remain unclear.

Pakistan announced that Iran would allow 20 of its ships to pass through the strait, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar describing the move as a “constructive gesture.” India has likewise reported safe passage for its vessels, which Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attributed to ongoing diplomatic efforts.

China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, confirmed that some of its vessels had transited the strait following coordination with “relevant parties,” underscoring Beijing’s continued engagement with Tehran.

India has also secured assurances from Tehran, with officials confirming that Indian-flagged vessels have been allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said the continued transit of Indian tankers was the result of sustained diplomatic engagement, underscoring the importance of dialogue in maintaining critical energy supply routes.

Malaysia, for its part, has likewise reached an understanding with Iran to allow several of its tankers to pass through the strait. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed appreciation for Tehran’s facilitation, while Transport Minister Anthony Loke attributed the development to the country’s strong diplomatic ties with the Iranian government, although it remains unclear whether the assurances extend to all Malaysian-flagged vessels.

Analysts note that these agreements may reflect Iran’s willingness to differentiate between countries’ formal alliances and their direct involvement in the conflict. Still, uncertainties persist over whether guarantees apply broadly or only to specific vessels, as well as whether conditions such as fees or restrictions are attached.

Energy experts caution that while these deals represent a short-term workaround, they do not resolve the broader geopolitical risks. The long-term viability of such arrangements remains in question, particularly as military operations continue in the region.

With the U.S. deadline looming and diplomatic channels strained by communication challenges, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains fluid, balancing on a fragile mix of military pressure and ad hoc diplomacy.