The future of the Strait of Hormuz hangs in the balance as US President Donald Trump issued a chilling warning to Tehran: surrender control or face total destruction. Trump claimed that the US could wipe out Iran’s infrastructure in a single night, specifically mentioning Tuesday as a potential deadline. Amidst this escalating war of words, India remains on high alert with 16 of its vessels still stranded in the blockade.

New Delhi has deployed the Indian Navy outside the Strait to ensure the safety of its merchant ships. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is leading a diplomatic offensive, consulting with foreign ministers of Qatar and the UAE ahead of a crucial UN Security Council vote. The vote, proposed by Bahrain, seeks to authorize military force to reopen the vital trade route, which has been paralyzed for over a month.

While Trump remains adamant on a massive military strike, Prime Minister Modi’s government is pushing for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. The international community is now focused on the UNSC vote—will India support the use of force, or can its diplomatic efforts prevent a full-scale Middle East war?