Trump warns Iran to reopen Hormuz or face strikes on power plants

The developments signalled the war was moving in a dangerous new direction at the start of its fourth week

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before departing on Marine One (Alex Brandon/AP)

President Donald Trump warned the US will “obliterate” Iranianpower plants if it does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

His statement came hours after Iranian missiles struck two communities in southern Israel late on Saturday, leaving buildings shattered and dozens injured in dual attacks not far from Israel’s main nuclear research centre.