Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Sunday after Iran warned it could target critical infrastructure across the region if the United States follows through on threats to strike its power facilities.
The warning came in response to an ultimatum issued by US President Donald Trump, who demanded that Tehran reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face devastating attacks on its energy network.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that failure to comply would result in the United States “obliterating” Iran’s power plants, beginning with its largest installations.
Iran’s military command swiftly fired back, vowing that any such action would trigger retaliatory strikes on US-linked infrastructure in the region, including energy, information technology, and desalination facilities.
The standoff comes amid an intensifying conflict that has already seen direct exchanges between Iran and Israel.
Tehran recently launched missile attacks on southern Israeli towns, including Dimona and Arad, injuring more than 100 people and causing extensive damage to residential buildings.
Dimona is widely believed to host Israel’s only nuclear facility, although the Israeli government maintains the site is used strictly for research.
Israel has since carried out fresh strikes targeting Iran’s capital, Tehran, as both sides continue to exchange fire in a conflict now stretching into its fourth week.
Global concern has also shifted to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical النفط chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil supply passes.
Iran’s effective blockade of the route has sent shockwaves through global markets, pushing oil prices above $105 per barrel and heightening fears of a prolonged economic fallout.
A coalition of 22 countries, including major Western and Asian powers, has condemned the disruption to maritime trade, calling for immediate restoration of safe passage through the waterway.
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Meanwhile, the US Central Command confirmed that American forces had carried out strikes on Iranian coastal ռազմական facilities, aiming to weaken Tehran’s ability to threaten shipping routes.
Despite claims by Washington and its allies that Iran’s military capacity has been significantly degraded, recent missile attacks suggest the country retains substantial strike capability.
Analysts, including experts from Chatham House, say Iran’s resilience has exceeded expectations.
Across the region, the conflict continues to widen. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting missiles and drones near Riyadh, while the United Arab Emirates confirmed fresh attacks targeting its territory.
Amid the الحرب, Iran also attempted a long-range strike on a joint US-UK military base at Diego Garcia, though the attack was unsuccessful, according to British officials.
International calls for restraint have intensified, with nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi warning of the خطر of a potential nuclear incident if hostilities continue to escalate.
As diplomatic efforts stall, the deepening crisis is raising fears of a broader regional confrontation with far-reaching global consequences.