Iran Warns of Proportionate Response to Any Attack on Vital Infrastructure

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has issued a stern warning that any attack on the country's vital infrastructure will be met with a 'proportionate reciprocal response.'

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Associated Press News

The senior Iranian official stated that public threats to strike power plants and other critical infrastructure cannot be dismissed as mere political rhetoric.

Associated Press News

Gharibabadi's comments came in response to President Trump's ultimatum giving Iran's government 48 hours to allow shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump threatened to 'obliterate' Iran's power plants if the deadline passed, specifically targeting the Damavand power plant which provides more than a third of electricity for Tehran province.

The warning reflects Iran's firm stance against what it considers aggressive actions that could cripple the nation's essential services and industrial capabilities.

Iran has framed its potential response within international legal frameworks, arguing that attacks on power plants and vital infrastructure constitute violations of international humanitarian law.

Gharibabadi emphasized that established rules of international humanitarian law clearly prohibit attacks on civilian objects, stating that international judicial practice leaves no ambiguity on the issue.

Mehr News Agency

He specifically warned that those ordering or carrying out attacks on vital infrastructure could be regarded as perpetrators of war crimes.

The Iranian deputy minister also pointed to the failure of the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its obligations in addressing aggression.

Iran cites this UN failure as justification for exercising its inherent right to self-defense, suggesting any retaliatory actions would be framed as lawful responses to illegal aggression.

Iranian citizens have expressed heightened anxiety and fear about the potential consequences of attacks on vital infrastructure.

“Iran says it will respond proportionately to any attacks on vital infrastructure 3/22/2026 6:53:03 PM Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi is the latest senior official to speak out against Trump’s threat to target Iran’s power plants, saying Tehran would meet any such attack “with a proportionate response””

MTV Lebanon

Many emphasize the severe humanitarian impacts that would affect daily life across the country.

Residents warn that cutting off electricity would sever the nation's lifeline, affecting basic services, medical infrastructure, industrial operations, and household needs.

An Iranian doctor specifically warned that attacking infrastructure including water and electricity would mean the 'indirect killing of thousands of innocent people lying on Iranian hospital beds.'

Citizens describe a climate of fear where they feel caught between external threats and their own government.

One Tehran resident noted that 'everyone is extremely worried' and they are 'sitting and waiting to see what will happen to us in 48 hours.'

The uncertainty has led some to prepare for potential power outages while expressing anger that they are left to fend for themselves amid escalating tensions.

The escalating tensions have significant regional and global implications, particularly affecting global energy markets and strategic waterways.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil shipments pass, has become the focal point of the crisis.

NPR

Trump's ultimatum demanded the reopening of this crucial waterway for global shipping.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with President Trump, agreeing that the strait's reopening was 'essential to ensure stability in the global energy market.'

The tensions have already impacted oil prices, with Brent crude rising roughly 1 percent to over $113 per barrel.

Financial markets have reacted negatively, with stocks falling further and futures on the S&P 500 dropping roughly 0.3 percent.

The potential for widespread disruption to global energy supplies has heightened international concern about broader economic consequences of the escalating conflict.

The military dimension of the crisis has been highlighted by recent developments in missile defense capabilities and the strategic importance of Iran's infrastructure.

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Recent Iranian ballistic missiles have successfully evaded Israel's sophisticated multilayered defense systems, striking residential neighborhoods in Dimona and Arad.

Telegrafi

These failures have raised serious questions about Israel's vaunted air defense capabilities and its ability to protect citizens.

The Israeli military admits the current campaign against Iran may only be 'midway,' suggesting prolonged conflict.

Israel has invested billions in defense systems including Iron Dome, Arrow 3, David's Sling, and American THAAD.

Operational failures have exposed vulnerabilities in these supposedly robust defense systems.

Iran's emphasis on protecting vital infrastructure contrasts with Israel's focus on military targets, highlighting the asymmetrical nature of the conflict.