CAIRO/WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel have issued sharp warnings to Iran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face strikes on its energy infrastructure, as the search continues for a missing American airman after two U.S. warplanes were downed. 

The escalating tensions mark a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, with both nations signaling readiness for military action.

On Saturday, President Trump and Israeli officials intensified pressure on Tehran, linking the demand to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz with threats of severe retaliation. Trump warned, “Iran must open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face the consequences,” underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Israel, meanwhile, is reportedly preparing to target Iranian energy facilities within a week, pending U.S. approval. This move would escalate the conflict further, striking at the core of Iran’s economic lifeline.

The crisis comes as U.S. and Iranian forces continue searching for a missing American crew member from one of two warplanes shot down during recent clashes. Iran has claimed success with its new air defense systems, boasting that they were responsible for downing the aircraft.

The incident follows Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israeli campaign that struck Iranian targets late last month. Images released by the U.S. Navy showed F/A-18F Super Hornets launching from the USS Abraham Lincoln, highlighting the scale of military operations in the region.

Iranian officials have condemned the threats, accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of destabilizing the region. The Iranian Red Crescent Society has been deployed to strike sites in Tehran, where damage from recent attacks has been documented.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments, remains closed under Iranian control, raising fears of economic disruption worldwide. Analysts warn that prolonged closure could send energy prices soaring and destabilize international markets.

As the deadline approaches, the world watches closely, with the fate of the missing U.S. airman adding urgency to an already volatile standoff. The coming days will determine whether diplomacy prevails or if military escalation plunges the region deeper into conflict.