Iran has threatened to strike key infrastructure across the Middle East if Donald Trump follows through on his warning to target Iranian power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.
Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum, saying the United States would “obliterate” Iran’s major power facilities if the crucial oil shipping route, which carries about a fifth of global crude, is not fully reopened without threats.
In response, Iran’s military command warned that any attack on its infrastructure would trigger retaliation against U.S. assets across the region, including energy systems, IT infrastructure, and desalination facilities.
The escalation follows continued exchanges of strikes. Iran recently launched missiles into southern Israel, hitting areas near Dimona and Arad, injuring more than 100 people after some projectiles bypassed air defences. Israel responded with fresh airstrikes on Tehran.
The growing confrontation has intensified global concerns, particularly around energy markets. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude rising above $105 per barrel as fears mount over prolonged disruption to global supply routes.
Tensions have also drawn in wider international reactions. Multiple countries, including the UK, France, Germany and others, have condemned what they described as Iran’s effective blockade of the strait, while Trump has criticised NATO allies for not doing enough to secure the route. Meanwhile, U.S. military activity in the region has increased, with additional Marines deployed and strikes targeting Iranian coastal facilities aimed at weakening its ability to threaten maritime traffic.
Iran has continued retaliatory operations beyond Israel, including missile and drone activity targeting Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. An attempted long-range strike on the joint US-UK base at Diego Garcia was also reported but did not succeed.
Despite sustained attacks and losses, analysts say Iran’s military capabilities remain more resilient than expected, with its ability to launch strikes still intact weeks into the conflict. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides signalling further escalation while the strategic and economic importance of the Strait of Hormuz keeps global markets and governments on edge.