March 22, 2026
Iran has vowed to retaliate if its energy facilities are attacked after US President Donald Trump threatened to “obliterate” Iranian power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened within 48 hours.
Trump posted the warning on Truth Social, saying: “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint through which about a fifth of the world’s oil normally passes.
In response, Iran’s military operational command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, warned that if Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is violated, Tehran will target energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure belonging to the United States and “the regime in the region,” according to the Fars news agency. Desalination plants are critical for fresh water supplies in Gulf states, and have already been targeted in retaliatory strikes during the conflict.
Separately, Iran’s representative to the UN maritime agency, Ali Mousavi, told Xinhua that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to shipping except for vessels linked to “Iran’s enemies.” He said Iran is prepared to cooperate with the International Maritime Organization to improve maritime safety and protect seafarers, while stressing that diplomacy remains Tehran’s priority — though mutual trust and cessation of aggression are needed.
The warnings come amid an intensifying regional confrontation. Israeli forces said they launched another wave of strikes against central Tehran early Sunday, describing the targets as “terror regime” sites. Hours earlier, Iranian missiles struck two Israeli towns near the country’s main nuclear research facility, injuring scores of people.
Saudi Arabia reported detecting three ballistic missiles around Riyadh; one was intercepted and two reportedly fell in an uninhabited area. The Saudi Defense Ministry also said five drones had been detected since midnight.
The situation has produced mixed signals from US and Israeli leaders. Trump has also spoken publicly about possibly “winding down” the US operation, while Israel has continued to escalate strikes on Iranian targets. Maritime traffic in the Gulf has largely ground to a halt amid threats to tankers and other vessels.
News organizations and regional authorities continue to monitor developments as tensions remain high and the risk of wider escalation persists.