Iran faces a critical deadline from Donald Trump to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as threats of attacks on power infrastructure intensify fears of a wider Middle East war involving Israel, Lebanon, and global oil markets.
Iran is facing mounting pressure as US President Donald Trump’s deadline to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz approaches, with the threat of a major American assault on the country’s power infrastructure looming large. The escalating confrontation comes as Israel signals that the regional conflict could continue for weeks, raising fears of a prolonged geopolitical crisis that could destabilize global markets and security.
The latest developments follow Trump’s strong support for Israel in the ongoing war launched on February 28. The conflict has increasingly spread across the Middle East, drawing in multiple actors and raising concerns about the possibility of a wider regional war. Trump’s warning to Tehran comes amid growing political pressure in the United States as fuel prices surge, partly driven by disruptions in the oil-rich Gulf region.
Trump on Saturday threatened to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if it did not within 48 hours end its partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow but critical waterway through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. The ultimatum has heightened tensions globally, as any disruption to this route could significantly impact international trade, energy security, and economic stability.
The deadline, based on the timing of Trump’s social media statement, falls at 23:44 GMT, early Tuesday morning in Iran and Monday evening in Washington. Iranian military officials responded firmly, warning of retaliation against key infrastructure across the region if the United States proceeds with its threat.
"If the United States' threats regarding Iran's power plants are carried out... the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed, and it will not be reopened until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt," the operational command warned, indicating that such reconstruction could take years.
Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also issued a strong warning, stating that essential infrastructure across the region would "be considered legitimate targets and will be irreversibly destroyed" if the conflict escalates further.
Officials in Tehran claim that recent strikes have already caused extensive damage to critical utilities. The country’s energy minister said US-Israeli attacks have inflicted "heavy damage" on Iran's water and electricity infrastructure, further intensifying domestic concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
Interestingly, even some Iranian figures living abroad who have opposed the current government have voiced concerns about targeting civilian infrastructure. Reza Pahlavi, son of the former shah who was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, urged the United States and Israel to focus on weakening the ruling system rather than damaging essential services.
He called on Western allies to target the "apparatus of repression" while protecting "Iran's civilian and vital infrastructure, which our people need to rebuild the country".
The war’s scope appears to be expanding beyond Iran, with Israel indicating possible military operations in Lebanon as part of its campaign against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shia movement. Israeli forces have destroyed a key bridge believed to be used by Hezbollah fighters to cross the Litani River, located roughly 30 kilometres north of the Israeli border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested that the conflict could develop into a long-term campaign aimed at weakening Iran’s influence in the region. The tensions follow the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, which triggered Israel’s military response in Gaza and further escalated regional hostilities.
"Citizens of Israel, we face more weeks of fighting against Iran and Hezbollah," Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said, signalling that military operations may continue for an extended period.
More than 1,000 people have reportedly been killed in Lebanon since Israel intensified its strikes, according to the country’s health ministry, while over one million residents have been displaced amid ongoing violence.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed concern that attacks on infrastructure could signal preparations for a broader invasion. He said the destruction of bridges "represent a dangerous escalation and flagrant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty, and are considered a prelude to a ground invasion".
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also acknowledged the country’s difficult situation, noting that Hezbollah’s actions contributed to the conflict’s expansion.
"It was declared that this war was in retaliation for the assassination of Khamenei, so this means this war was imposed upon us," Salam told the Al Hadath network.
Israel’s military leadership has indicated that operations targeting Hezbollah are only beginning. Army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said the "operation against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation has only begun".
The conflict has already affected Israel directly, despite its sophisticated missile defence systems. Iranian missile strikes on Saturday hit two southern Israeli towns, including Dimona, located near the country’s nuclear research facility. The attack left dozens injured and raised concerns about the vulnerability of sensitive strategic locations.
"We thought we were safe," Galit Amir, a 50-year-old care provider, told AFP in Dimona. "We didn't expect this."
Explosions were also heard in Jerusalem early Sunday as Iran launched additional missile strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to pursue senior commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards "personally" following the attacks.
According to emergency responders, one missile landed approximately five kilometres from what is widely believed to be the Middle East’s only nuclear weapons facility. Israel has never officially confirmed possessing nuclear weapons, maintaining that the Dimona site is dedicated to research purposes.
Iran has stated that the strike near Dimona was carried out in response to an earlier attack on its nuclear facility at Natanz. However, Israeli military officials said they were "not aware of a strike" at the Iranian nuclear site.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 3,230 people have died in Iran since the conflict began, including 1,406 civilians. Independent verification of casualty figures remains difficult due to limited access to affected areas.
Economic concerns are mounting as oil prices continue to rise amid the conflict. US benchmark crude briefly approached the $100 per barrel mark early Monday, reflecting investor concerns about potential supply disruptions in the Gulf.
Iran has reportedly allowed ships from certain countries considered friendly to continue passing through the Strait of Hormuz, while warning that vessels from nations supporting the US or Israel could face restrictions.
Lawmakers in Tehran are also considering imposing toll charges on ships using the strait, a move that could permanently alter global shipping patterns. Parliament speaker Ghalibaf warned that maritime traffic would "not return to its pre-war status".
Energy experts caution that prolonged instability could harm the global economy. Patrick Pouyanne, chief executive of French oil company TotalEnergies, warned that an extended conflict could trigger widespread economic disruption.
"If it's more than six months, we will have some real impacts. All the economies of the world will be damaged," he told Chinese broadcaster CGTN.
As tensions continue to escalate, world leaders are closely monitoring developments, with concerns that further military action could deepen instability across the Middle East and beyond.
Source : Gulf News
Image Source : The New York Times
