Tehran, Mar 23: The conflict in the Middle East has become more dangerous, with Iran warning that it will completely shut the Strait of Hormuz if the United States carries out fresh attacks.
Trump Issues Strong Warning
U.S. President Donald Trump gave Iran a 48-hour deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that if Iran does not act, the U.S. will launch strikes on Iranian power plants.
Trump said the U.S. would āhit and destroyā Iranās energy facilities, starting with the largest one.
Iran Responds with Counter Threat
Iran reacted strongly to the warning. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that if Iranās infrastructure is attacked, key facilities in the region could be āirreversibly destroyed.ā
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also warned that energy sites in countries hosting U.S. military bases would become legitimate targets.
Iranian military officials added that they could target U.S.-linked energy, technology, and water facilities across the Gulf region.
Iran has made it clear that the Strait will not reopen anytime soon. The IRGC said the waterway will stay closed until Iran rebuilds any damaged power plants. Iran had already shut the Strait on February 28, disrupting global shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the worldās most important routes for oil and gas transport. A large portion of global fuel supply passes through this narrow waterway.