Iran’s Revolutionary Guard threatened Monday to strike energy infrastructure in Israel and across the Gulf region if the United States follows through on a warning by President Donald Trump to target Iran’s power network.
“If you hit electricity, we hit electricity,” the statement said, adding that Iran would match any action at the same level.
The statement appeared to walk back earlier threats to target desalination plants in Gulf countries, which are critical for supplying drinking water in the region. Iranian officials denied planning such attacks, accusing Trump of misrepresenting Tehran’s intentions.
The warning came after Trump said Saturday that Iranian power facilities would be “obliterated” if Tehran did not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping within 48 hours. The deadline is set to expire late Monday.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global energy supplies, handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Iranian actions have already disrupted traffic through the strait, contributing to volatility in global energy markets.
Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, said the resulting crisis could surpass the combined impact of past major energy shocks, including the oil crises of the 1970s and disruptions linked to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
In a separate statement, Iran’s Supreme Defense Council warned it could mine Gulf waterways if attacked.
“Any attempt to strike Iran’s coasts or islands will result in all access routes in the Gulf being mined,” the statement said.
Iranian officials have said the strait remains open to most shipping but indicated that vessels linked to what they describe as hostile countries could face restrictions.
The escalating rhetoric comes amid more than three weeks of conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which has heightened regional tensions, driven up fuel prices and raised concerns about global inflation.
Air raid sirens sounded in parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv, and the occupied West Bank late Sunday, warning of incoming missiles from Iran, underscoring the ongoing risk of broader escalation.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned that attacks on critical civilian infrastructure, including energy and water systems, could constitute violations of international law.
Despite heavy US and Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s military capabilities, Iranian officials have signaled their ability to retaliate, raising fears of further escalation across the region.
