Russia Urges Diplomacy as Trump Issues Ultimatum Over Hormuz

Russia on Monday called for a “political and diplomatic” solution to the escalating Middle East war after US President Donald Trump threatened Iran with sweeping strikes.

Trump warned he would “obliterate” Iran’s power infrastructure if Tehran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The deadline was set to expire late Monday.

The strategic waterway has remained effectively closed since Feb. 28, when US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered the current conflict.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow sees no military solution.

“We believe the situation should have moved into a political and diplomatic settlement,” Peskov told reporters. “This is the only way to defuse the catastrophically tense situation in the region.”

Moscow also warned of the risks of strikes on nuclear infrastructure, pointing to reported damage at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant – built with Russian support.

“Strikes on nuclear facilities are extremely dangerous and could lead to irreversible consequences,” Peskov said.

Russia said it remains in constant contact with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi last week urged restraint, warning that further escalation risks triggering a nuclear accident.

The war is already shaking global energy markets. Fatih Birol, the International Energy Agency chief, warned the world faces an energy crisis worse than the 1970s oil shocks combined if fighting continues.

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US Military Says It Has ‘Defeated’ Iran Missile, Drone Attacks in Gulf

The US military said it defeated a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks in the Gulf and struck an Iranian military facility on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command denied Iranian claims that US bases in Bahrain and the region were hit, saying all attacks failed. The incidents came despite a US-Iran ceasefire in place since April 8.

At least 40 energy assets in the Gulf are “severely or very severely damaged,” oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel, and supply disruptions are spreading worldwide.

Cambodia has halted LPG (liquified petroleum gas) sales due to war-linked shortages, while Iran is allowing only friendly nations’ ships through the Strait of Hormuz, warning others risk blockades.

Israel launched fresh strikes on Tehran Monday and warned the conflict could drag on for weeks.