Tensions in the Middle East escalated on Sunday as Iran warned it could target key infrastructure across the region if the United States follows through on threats to strike its power facilities over the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The warning came after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Tehran, demanding the immediate reopening of the strategic waterway, a vital route for global oil shipments.
“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
In response, Iran’s military operational command warned of retaliatory action, stating that any strike on its facilities would trigger attacks on American-linked infrastructure in the region.
According to the command, “all energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure belonging to the US” in the Middle East would become targets if Iran is attacked.
The standoff follows a series of escalations, including Iran’s reported retaliation over an earlier strike on its nuclear facility in Natanz.
Missiles launched by Tehran struck southern Israel, hitting areas including Dimona home to a nuclear facility and Arad, leaving over 100 people injured.
Israel has since carried out fresh strikes on Tehran, further intensifying hostilities.
Attention has now shifted to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil supply passes.
The disruption has unsettled global markets, pushing oil prices above $105 per barrel amid fears of prolonged instability.
Trump has also criticised NATO allies over the crisis, describing them as “cowards” and urging stronger international efforts to secure the waterway.
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Meanwhile, at least 22 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, have condemned what they described as the “de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.”
The United States has also stepped up its military posture in the region, with additional Marines deployed, while U.S. Central Command confirmed that bunker-busting bombs were recently used to target an underground Iranian coastal facility, in a move aimed at weakening Tehran’s capacity to threaten maritime navigation.
The situation remains volatile, with fears mounting over broader regional conflict and its potential impact on global energy supplies.
