U.S. ultimatum to Iran signals escalating West Asia conflict

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that “all hell will rain down” on Iran if Tehran fails to reach a peace agreement within 48 hours.

Iran has rejected the ultimatum, describing it as a sign of Washington’s desperation.

An Iranian security official stated that Tehran is continuing the war according to its strategic plans and warned that a “big surprise” is being prepared for the United States and Israel.

The official dismissed U.S. threats to strike key infrastructure as ineffective, claiming American military operations have already faced setbacks, including the downing of warplanes.

Meanwhile, the conflict is expanding across the region.

Iran reported that U.S.-Israeli strikes on the Mahshahr Petrochemical Zone killed five people and injured 170, while attacks have also targeted more than 30 universities since the war began.

A drone attack triggered a fire at an oil complex in Kuwait, and Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed five people, as anti-war protests continue across major Israeli cities.