At two in the morning (Spanish peninsular time) the ultimatum imposed by Donald Trump on Iran expires. The US president demands from the Islamic Republic the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the war under his conditions. If not complied with, Iran could suffer the consequences of a devastating attack announced by Trump's threats, who has warned Tehran that "an entire civilization could die tonight".
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has asked Trump to extend that ultimatum for two additional weeks when only a few hours remain until it expires. The American leader has assured that he has already received the offer and that at this moment "intense negotiations" are being held with Tehran.
Iran warns about war crimes
Trump has offered Iran a clear deadline in exchange for allowing free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and accepting the security conditions imposed by Washington. Trump has warned that, if not complied with, attacks could be launched against strategic infrastructure, including power plants, bridges, and ports, with possible consequences for the civilian population and the regional economy, although he has ruled out a possible nuclear weapon attack.
In recent hours, Washington has launched selective attacks against military targets on Kharg Island, used by Iran for air defense and logistics. The White House has assured that these operations do not represent a general strategy change, but an attempt to pressure Iran before the ultimatum expires.
Given this, the permanent ambassador of Iran to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, has warned this Tuesday before the Security Council that Trump's threats could result in war crimes and crimes against humanity, and defended Iran's right to respond.
Iravani has stated that Trump's explicit threat to attack Iran's civilian infrastructure constitutes a flagrant violation of International Humanitarian Law and that, if carried out, the United States would assume full responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
China and Russia veto a UN resolution to stop Iran's attacks
In the same session, the Iranian ambassador has also thanked China and Russia for vetoing the resolution that called for ceasing Iran's attacks. And it is that the UN Security Council has voted this Tuesday on a resolution that sought to coordinate efforts to guarantee the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and demand Iran the immediate cessation of attacks against commercial vessels.
The text, presented by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar, proposed proportional defensive measures, including escorts for merchant and commercial vessels, and called on Iran to cease the attacks.
However, China and Russia, permanent members of the Council with veto power, voted against the resolution. The final result was eleven votes in favor and two abstentions, leaving a coordinated mechanism to protect commercial navigation without international support.
Pakistan asks for the extension of the ultimatum
Late this afternoon, Pakistan has requested the United States to extend the ultimatum to two weeks to allow negotiations and reduce the risk of an immediate conflict, and has urged Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to guarantee the freedom of international navigation.
This has been expressed by the Pakistani prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, according to Reuters agency, underlining that the measure seeks "to provide a time margin that allows effective diplomatic negotiations and avoids a military escalation in the region".
More than 30 countries evaluate plans for international coalition
Representatives from more than 30 countries have met virtually, convened by the United Kingdom, to coordinate measures that ensure safe access to the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities cease.
The meeting, coordinated from the Headquarters of the British Armed Forces in Northwood, has explored "appropriate measures for an international coalition" in the strait, according to the British Ministry of Defence in its daily reports on the social network X. The initiative seeks to ensure the freedom of navigation and protect global trade.
Leo XIV calls Trump's threat "unacceptable"
Among the most critical voices regarding the global scenario is Pope Leo XIV, who this Tuesday called "unacceptable" Trump's threat against Iran and has asked to do everything possible to affirm that war is not wanted, but peace.
"There are very many people, children, elderly, completely innocent who would be affected if this threat became reality," he has pointed out in statements from Castelgandolfo while calling to pray and make their voice heard before US legislators to avoid the conflict.
Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a key artery for global energy trade, and any threat to navigation generates immediate international concern. The price of oil has touched this Tuesday 115 dollars a barrel, due to uncertainty about navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil transits.
The expiration of Trump's ultimatum marks a critical moment. U.S. authorities have warned that any non-compliance could result in broader military actions, while Iran maintains its firm stance and reinforces the protection of its strategic infrastructure.
Tension in the Middle East continues to escalate, with significant risks for the global economy, maritime security, and regional stability, in a scenario where China and Russia block international resolutions that limit Iran's freedom of action.