SRINAGAR: Donald Trump on Sunday warned that the United States could target Iran’s power infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
In a post on social media, Trump said Washington would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants, beginning with the largest, if the key shipping route is not fully reopened without threats.
Iran responded with a strong warning, stating that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliation. The Khatam Al-Anbiya operational command said that US and allied infrastructure in the region, including energy, information technology, and desalination facilities, would be targeted in response to any aggression.
The escalation comes amid rising tensions and a sharp increase in global oil prices, driven in part by Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route through which about 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass.
Since the conflict began, ships in the Gulf have come under attack, with Tehran declaring it will block oil shipments destined for the US, Israel, and their allies.
Meanwhile, a recent internal assessment by a US defence intelligence agency, cited by CNN, indicated that Iran may be capable of keeping the Strait closed for a period ranging from one to six months.
