West Asia Standoff Spirals as Iran Rejects Ultimatum, Triggering Fears of Global Energy Shockwave
Iran’s leadership signalled defiance on Sunday as tensions escalated across diplomatic, military and economic fronts, with President Masoud Pezeshkian declaring in a brief message that “we will bring the enemy to its knees,” while Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi pushed back against Western pressure over maritime security, stating that “the Strait of Hormuz is not closed” and that “ships hesitate because insurers fear the war of choice you initiated—not Iran,” adding that “freedom of navigation cannot exist without freedom of trade. Respect both—or expect neither.” Netan y ah u at at the arenas in Arad and Dimona; Via: Avi Ohayon, GPO, Official Channel The remarks come as the United States has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait, warning of strikes on Iranian infrastructure, sharply raising the risk of further escalation. The statements have now triggered immediate international reactions , with Emmanuel Macron calling for restraint after speaki...