With only a few hours left before the US deadline, Iran's offensive shows no signs of slowing down! The hope for a US-Iran ceasefire is becoming increasingly remote.

As the deadline set by President Trump for the ceasefire agreement in the United States approaches, Iran continues to launch attacks in the Persian Gulf region, making any breakthrough hope of ending this war even more elusive. On Monday, President Trump stated at the White House that any agreement to resolve the conflict must guarantee freedom of navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. If Iran fails to reach an agreement by 8pm EST on Tuesday, the US will destroy Iranian infrastructure including power plants and bridges. The United Nations has warned that indiscriminate attacks on civilian facilities may constitute war crimes. Trump stated that he is "not worried at all" about the potential consequences of this. Trump's latest ultimatum marks a crucial point in this war. The conflict has already led to over 5,200 deaths, mostly in Iran and Lebanon, and energy facilities throughout the region have been frequently targeted. Trump has been setting deadlines since March 21st, trying to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and has extended the deadlines multiple times. However, on Monday he stated that the possibility of another extension is "very slim". Israel is preparing for the possibility of the conflict lasting for several more weeks, causing market volatility, oil price increases, and stock market fluctuations. Trump stated that negotiations with Iran are "progressing well," and reopening the strait is "a very important priority." He pointed out, "We must reach an agreement that I can accept, and part of the agreement is ensuring the free passage of oil and other supplies." Trump further threatened that the US military can destroy "all bridges in Iran" and make power plants "burn, explode, and be unusable." Iran has warned that if the situation escalates, they will increase their attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf region, further exacerbating global fuel shortages and seriously impacting the world economy. Saudi Arabia stated that Iran launched seven ballistic missiles and multiple drones towards Saudi early on Tuesday, with intercepted debris falling near some energy facilities. A key bridge connecting Bahrain and Saudi Arabia has been temporarily closed as a precaution. The Israeli Defense Forces reported that since midnight, Iran has launched two rounds of missile attacks, causing damage in Tel Aviv and surrounding towns. An Israeli military spokesperson stated that if necessary, Israel has approved further military missions against Iran in the next three weeks. Meanwhile, Israel is also engaged in another conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and targeted locations within Beirut on Monday. As investors remain cautious, oil prices have risen for a third consecutive day. Despite initial ceasefire signals, the risk of further escalation continues to weigh on the market. In early trading on Tuesday, Brent crude oil rose by 1.5% to over $111 per barrel. The US dollar, acting as a safe-haven asset in this war, also rose by 0.1%. Singapore's top diplomat warned that the economic consequences of the conflict could worsen, and investors have yet to make adjustments. Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated at a meeting of the Singapore Investment Management Association, "I am reasonably sure that markets have not fully priced in the worst-case scenario." With the average price of regular gasoline in the US rising to over $4 per gallon, the increasingly unpopular conflict makes it difficult for Trump to find a dignified exit path. He stated that Vice President Pence and envoy Vitekoff are involved in ceasefire negotiations, but Tehran has already rejected a ceasefire proposal on Monday. Trump stated, "I can tell you, the other side has a positive, willing negotiating partner. They are negotiating, we believe in good faith - we will soon see." According to Iran's official news agency, in addition to an agreement to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is also calling for a permanent end to the war, post-war reconstruction, and the lifting of sanctions. The news agency also quoted a spokesperson for Iran's Joint Military Command as saying that Iran's attacks on the US will not be affected by Trump's threats. Iran stated that the strait will only be allowed to reopen after compensation for its losses in the war. Currently, Iran has almost stalled traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, where usually about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass through. On Monday, two oil tankers loaded with Qatari LNG attempted to leave the Persian Gulf, but turned back within hours. Traders involved in this passage revealed that Iranian officials refused passage. Tehran currently only allows a very limited number of vessels to pass through the waterway, including those used for Iran's own oil exports. Trump admitted that he wants to seize Iran's oil for himself, but the American public hopes to end the conflict as soon as possible. When asked about the trade-off between seizing oil supplies and public opinion, Trump said, "I am a businessman first. I have said that the victor deserves the spoils. Why not do this? But we can't do it now."