US Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz Amid Targeted Pressure on Regime Leaders

The United States has issued a stern ultimatum to Iran demanding an immediate public declaration and full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for free navigation. According to two diplomatic sources speaking to Israel Hayom, Washington warned that failure to comply would result in the complete closure of the strait, halting all ship and tanker traffic to and from Iran. This move comes amid growing opposition within the White House to the Iranian leadership's conduct.

The US has reinstated sanctions on Iran's oil industry, with plans to restore them fully by mid-next week. The primary American objective, in close intelligence cooperation with Israel, is to disrupt the continuity of the Iranian regime and prevent the restoration of its offensive capabilities. Key Iranian figures currently targeted include Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who is seen as the top target due to his attempt to consolidate power following his father's assassination.

Other significant targets are General Mohammad Pakpour and his deputy Ahmad Vahidi, leaders of the IRGC's ground and security forces tasked with maintaining regime stability; Esmail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force, monitored for his role in regional proxy operations; Hossein Majeed Mousavi, head of the IRGC Air and Space Force responsible for ballistic and cruise missiles and drones; and General R'ulam-Reza Soleimani, commander of the Basij militia known for suppressing protests.

Washington has also threatened significant military action against the Iranian navy if the strait remains closed, emphasizing the critical nature of the shipping lanes. Additionally, the US is enforcing strict sanctions on Iranian oil tankers and pressuring banks in China and the UAE to cut off financial flows to Tehran. Plans are underway to reinstate all UN Security Council sanctions automatically, aiming to isolate Iran legally and economically on the global stage.

This comprehensive pressure campaign seeks to destabilize the Iranian regime internally and externally, signaling strong Western support for opposition forces within Iran and a zero-tolerance stance on Tehran's regional aggression and maritime restrictions.