Iran Threatens to Hit Gulf Power Plants and Mine Persian Gulf Waters

The United States and Iran engaged in a dangerous escalation of threats following President Donald Trump's ultimatum that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face strikes against its power plants.

“Iran has threatened to hit energy sites in the Middle East after US President Donald Trump threatened to attack the country’s power plants if Tehran does not open the strategic Strait of Hormuz”

Al Jazeera

In response, Iran warned it would strike electrical plants across the entire Middle East and mine the Persian Gulf if the US follows through with attacks.

Al Jazeera

The exchange represents a significant intensification of the ongoing conflict that began when the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, with both sides now targeting critical infrastructure that could affect millions of people.

Iran made specific threats to target regional energy infrastructure, including desalination plants crucial for drinking water in Gulf Arab states.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that 'vital infrastructure as well as energy and oil infrastructure across the entire region will be considered legitimate targets and will be irreversibly destroyed' should Iranian power plants be attacked.

Al-Jazeera Net

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed to respond 'in kind' to any attack on Iran's energy sector, confirming readiness to strike Israeli power-generation stations and facilities supplying electricity to American bases.

The IRGC also denied American accusations about targeting desalination plants, calling such claims 'lying'.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow choke point through which about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally transit, has been effectively blockaded by Iran since the conflict began, causing the worst oil crisis since the 1970s.

“Iran threatens to start hitting Gulf power plants and mine waters as Israel launches new attacks Iran threatens to start hitting Gulf power plants and mine waters as Israel launches new attacks DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran warned Monday it will strike electrical plants across the Middle East if U”

Associated Press

Iran has maintained that the waterway is already open – except to the US and its allies – and warned that if Trump's threat is carried out, the strait would be 'completely closed, and will not be reopened until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt.'

The Iranian Defense Council also warned of planting naval mines along all access routes in the Gulf, stressing that the only way for non-participating countries to pass through would be direct coordination with Tehran.

The blockade has sent global energy prices surging, with Brent crude topping US$110 per barrel.

The escalating rhetoric has raised serious humanitarian and international legal concerns, particularly regarding attacks on infrastructure that provides essential services.

Amnesty International has warned there is a substantial risk that attacks on systems providing electricity, heating and running water would violate international law and 'in some cases could amount to war crimes' due to potential for 'vast, predictable, and devastating civilian harm.'

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The United States Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper warned Iranian civilians to 'stay inside for right now' and suggested there would be 'a clear signal at some point' for them to come out, while claiming Iran was launching missiles and drones from populated areas.

Twenty countries, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Japan, have declared themselves 'willing to contribute to the efforts' needed to reopen the strait, while all have condemned Iran's recent attacks on ships and oil and gas infrastructure.