Clockwise General News — Israeli forces have dramatically escalated tensions by striking Iran's South Pars petrochemical plant and killing a top Revolutionary Guard commander. This is Clockwise general news, 2 PM Eastern. This comes as Iran flatly rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal, insisting on a permanent end to the war. President Trump's ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face military action looms. Iran has retaliated with missile attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab neighbors, causing civilian casualties and widespread destruction.