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NEWS 23 Mar 2026

Iran threatens to strike Gulf power plants after Trump ultimatum

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Iran Threatens Energy Retaliation - Reuters

Iran Threatens to Target Power Plants if U.S. Strikes Energy Network

By Maayan Lubell, Alexander Cornwell and Idrees Ali
TEL AVIV / JERUSALEM / WASHINGTON — March 23 (Reuters)

Iran has warned it will attack Israel’s power plants and facilities supplying U.S. bases in the Gulf if President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to “obliterate” Iran’s power network, according to a statement by the Revolutionary Guards.

The statement appeared to retract earlier threats targeting desalination plants, which are vital for drinking water supply across Gulf nations.

"We are determined to respond to any threat at the same level... If you hit electricity, we hit electricity."

President Trump warned that Iranian power plants would be destroyed if Tehran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping within 48 hours.

Iranian actions have effectively disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy chokepoint responsible for transporting nearly 20% of the world’s oil and LNG.

Global Impact

The conflict has already caused severe disruption to global markets, pushing oil prices higher and fueling inflation concerns worldwide.

More than 2,000 people have been killed since the war began on February 28, significantly escalating geopolitical tensions.

Ongoing Military Activity

Air raid sirens were heard across central and northern Israel, including Tel Aviv, as missiles were launched from Iran.

Israel has responded with large-scale strikes targeting infrastructure in Tehran.

Reports suggest Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may be injured and isolated following recent developments.

Regional Escalation

The conflict has spread to Lebanon, where Hezbollah has launched hundreds of rockets into Israel, prompting further Israeli military operations.

Israel expects weeks more of fighting as tensions continue to rise across multiple fronts.

Risk to Gulf Countries

Gulf nations rely heavily on electricity for desalination plants, which supply the majority of their drinking water.

Any disruption to power infrastructure could result in severe humanitarian consequences across the region.

Conclusion

The situation represents a major escalation with potential global consequences, particularly for energy markets and geopolitical stability.

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