President Trump reiterated calls to seize Iranian oil and set an April 8 ultimatum threatening strikes on Iranian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. The conflict began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes around Feb. 28; Iran responded by blockading the Strait, sharply raising global energy prices. Iran has rejected multiple ceasefire proposals, and legal experts warn that seizing oil would be illegal, require a sustained ground presence and risk wider escalation. Diplomatic efforts continue but both sides appear far from agreement as the deadline approaches.

The story reports an explicit April 8 ultimatum threatening strikes and repeated U.S. calls to seize Iranian oil, while Iran has rejected ceasefire proposals and has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, which has already sharply raised global energy prices—facts that increase the risk of escalation and market-moving uncertainty.