On Sunday, Donald Trump warned that Iran’s electricity system could be “obliterated” within 48 hours if Tehran does not reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The warning comes despite earlier signals from Washington suggesting a possible de-escalation of the conflict.
In response, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that any attack on Iran’s power plants could lead to the “irreversible destruction” of critical infrastructure across the region.
Air raid sirens were reported across Israel early Sunday as Iranian missiles targeted southern towns including Arad and Dimona, leaving dozens injured. Israel later confirmed it had launched retaliatory strikes on Tehran.
The conflict, now entering its third week, has already resulted in more than 2,000 deaths since hostilities intensified on February 28. The involvement of U.S. forces, including Marines and heavy landing equipment moving into the region, signals a potential widening of the war.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any attack on its infrastructure would lead to the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global shipping route through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
Such a move could have severe global consequences, disrupting energy markets, driving up fuel prices, and intensifying inflation worldwide. Gulf countries, heavily reliant on electricity and desalination for drinking water, could face catastrophic humanitarian and economic impacts if targeted.
With global markets set to reopen, fears are mounting that the deepening crisis could trigger significant financial instability and further destabilize the region.
