Nigeria: Iran issues 30-day ultimatum to US
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Iran has given the United States 30 days to end its naval blockade of Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply will force Washington to choose between a costly military conflict and an unfavorable deal.
The ultimatum was delivered by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after Tehran submitted a 14-point proposal to the US through Pakistani mediators. According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, the plan demands a permanent end to hostilities, not a temporary ceasefire, plus guarantees of non-aggression and an immediate lifting of the US-led blockade. Trust-building measures between both nations are also included.
The standoff traces back to February 28, when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. In response, Tehran imposed its own blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. The US then countered with a naval blockade of Iranian ports. Despite a ceasefire brokered on April 8, tensions remain high. Both sides continue to attack, capture, and intercept each other’s ships in the strait, signaling that a low-level naval war is still active.
US President Donald Trump confirmed he received Iran’s latest proposal late Thursday via Pakistan, which helped negotiate the April ceasefire. He said he is reviewing the 14-point plan but doubts a deal is possible. The plan was Tehran’s response to a nine-point proposal from Washington.
The core dispute centers on conflicting demands. Iran wants a permanent end to the war and removal of all blockades. Trump insists Iran must first lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and halt uranium enrichment before any agreement.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global choke point. Roughly 20% of the world’s oil passes through it. Analysts warn that continued disruption could trigger sharp spikes in energy prices and destabilize global markets.
Weeks after the ceasefire took effect, Washington and Tehran have made little progress toward a lasting peace deal. The naval blockades remain in place, and diplomatic channels show strain. Trump expressed frustration with Iran’s earlier offers, while Tehran argues the US has not honored the terms of the April 8 truce.
The 30-day deadline raises the stakes. If the US does not lift its blockade, Iran’s IRGC suggests military escalation is possible. If Washington concedes, it risks appearing to reward Tehran’s hardline tactics.
