Tensions build as conflict enters its fourth week
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press before departing the White House for Miami on March 20, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Celal Gunes | Anadolu | Getty Images
Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran has expanded its threats to target buyers of U.S. Treasury bonds, escalating tensions as the Trump administration’s ultimatum deadline approaches.
In a social media post on Sunday, Iran’s Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that U.S.-linked financial institutions holding American government bonds would be at risk of attacks, in addition to military bases.
“U.S. treasury bonds are soaked in Iranians’ blood. Purchase them, and you purchase a strike on your HQ and assets,” Ghalibaf stated. He emphasized that financial entities supporting the U.S. military budget are also potential targets.
The increasing threats followed Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum to Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing support for the U.S.’s stance.
The situation has raised concerns about a prolonged conflict impacting global energy supplies and commodity prices, with potential consequences for economies worldwide.
Implications and Escalation
The conflict has intensified over the weekend, with reports of missile activity in Israel and retaliatory strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure in Tehran.
Iran’s actions have triggered responses from neighboring countries, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, leading to a cycle of violence and casualties.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted shipping routes and contributed to rising oil prices, heightening concerns about inflation and economic stability.
Experts suggest that Iran’s strategy may focus on survival rather than direct confrontation, leveraging its strategic position to control key chokepoints in the region.
