Iran Threatens Widespread Retaliation Against Regional Infrastructure if U.S. Strikes Power Plants

 

In a sharp escalation of the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, Tehran has warned it will target critical energy, water, and IT infrastructure across the Middle East—including U.S. and Israeli assets—if President Donald Trump carries out his threat to destroy Iran's power plants.

The exchange began late Saturday when Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum on Truth Social, demanding Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments—without threats to shipping. Failure to comply, he stated, would prompt the U.S. to "hit and obliterate" Iran's various power plants, "starting with the biggest one first."

Iran responded swiftly on Sunday through multiple channels, including its Revolutionary Guards, military spokespersons, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Officials declared that any attack on Iranian energy or fuel infrastructure would make equivalent facilities in the region—such as energy plants, desalination facilities, and IT systems linked to the U.S. and Israel—legitimate targets for "irreversible" destruction.

The Revolutionary Guards further stated the Strait of Hormuz would be "completely closed" until damaged Iranian power plants are rebuilt, signaling potential prolonged disruption to global energy flows. A military command statement emphasized zero restraint in retaliation, with threats extending to Gulf neighbors' assets if U.S. or Israeli strikes proceed.

This tit-for-tat comes amid the war's fourth week, marked by Iranian missile strikes near Israel's nuclear research center and broader regional attacks. Trump's ultimatum appears driven by pressure over soaring domestic energy prices and halted shipping through the strait, which has severely impacted global oil markets.

Analysts warn that fulfilling either side's threats could trigger a wider regional blackout, spike energy costs further, and risk drawing in more Gulf states. The 48-hour deadline expires late Monday, heightening tensions as diplomatic off-ramps remain unclear.

The situation underscores the fragile balance in the Middle East, where energy infrastructure has become a central battleground in the escalating confrontation.