Iran has warned it will target Israel’s power infrastructure and facilities supplying U.S. bases across the Gulf if Donald Trump follows through on his threat to “obliterate” Iran’s electricity network, according to a statement by the Revolutionary Guards.
The group appeared to walk back earlier suggestions of attacking desalination plants—vital for drinking water in Gulf nations—denying any intention to strike them. Instead, it stressed a proportional response strategy, stating that any attack on Iran’s power systems would be met with similar action.
The warning followed Trump’s ultimatum that Iranian power plants would be destroyed unless Tehran allowed unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
Iranian actions have effectively disrupted traffic through the strait, which carries about one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies, raising fears of a major energy shock. Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency said the resulting crisis could surpass the combined impact of the 1970s oil shocks and the energy fallout from Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Iran’s Defence Council further escalated tensions, warning it could mine Gulf waters and block all access routes if the U.S. proceeds with its threats, potentially extending disruptions across the entire region.
Despite this, Iranian officials said the strait remains open to most shipping, except vessels linked to countries considered hostile, with some—including Indian and Pakistani ships—still reportedly allowed safe passage.
The conflict, which began on February 28, has killed more than 2,000 people and triggered widespread market volatility, rising fuel prices, and growing global inflation concerns.
Fears have also intensified over potential disruptions to electricity grids in the Gulf, which could severely impact desalination plants that supply most of the region’s drinking water—100% in Bahrain and Qatar, over 80% in the UAE, and about half in Saudi Arabia.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that attacks on essential civilian infrastructure could constitute war crimes.
Meanwhile, fighting has intensified, with air raid sirens reported across parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv, amid incoming Iranian missiles. Israel has also launched fresh strikes on infrastructure in Tehran, while clashes continue on another front with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Despite sustained U.S. and Israeli bombardment that officials say has weakened Iran’s missile capabilities, Tehran has continued to demonstrate its ability to retaliate, signaling that the conflict may persist for weeks.
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