Iran Issues Stark Warning to US: Strait of Hormuz May Face Closure Amid Escalating Tensions

Tehran has issued a bold ultimatum, threatening to completely shut the Strait of Hormuz and target energy facilities across the Gulf if the United States acts on President Trump's threats against its power plants.

"If you hit electricity, we hit electricity," declared the Revolutionary Guards, seemingly retracting earlier statements about targeting Gulf desalination plants.

The Guards emphasized that the strait "will be completely closed and will not be opened until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt," signaling a firm stance in the face of escalating military rhetoric.

In a related statement, parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that any attack on Iranian power plants could lead to "irreversible destruction" of critical infrastructure.

Desalination facilities are vital, providing all drinking water for Bahrain and Qatar, while supplying over 80% of the UAE's needs.

Trump's 48-hour ultimatum demands Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences for its power infrastructure. He stated on Israeli television that “there will be the total destruction of Iran and it is going to work great.”

As tensions rise, the US embassy in Jerusalem is facilitating chartered bus services for American citizens wishing to leave Israel, with routes to Amman, Jordan, available starting Monday.

Meanwhile, Iranian missile attacks have been reported over the Israeli coastal city of Netanya, coinciding with Israel's extensive strikes targeting Tehran's infrastructure.

The Revolutionary Guards reiterated their commitment to retaliate against any attacks on Iranian electricity infrastructure, stating, "We are determined to respond to any threat at the same level as it creates in terms of deterrence."

In a statement, they accused Trump of misrepresenting Iran's intentions regarding potential attacks on desalination plants, asserting that such claims were unfounded.

Trump's deadline looms as he warns of impending strikes on Iranian power plants if Tehran does not comply. The top commander of US Central Command noted that military operations against Iran are proceeding as planned.

US Navy Admiral Brad Cooper remarked on the reduced frequency of Iranian missile launches since the conflict began, suggesting a shift in Iran's operational capacity. "At the beginning of the conflict, you saw large volumes in the dozens of drones and missiles. You no longer see that," he noted.

Kuwait and the UAE reported their air defenses were engaged with Iranian missile and drone threats early Monday, while air raid sirens were activated in Bahrain. An Indian national was injured by shrapnel from an intercepted missile near Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 1,500 deaths in Iran, more than 1,000 in Lebanon, and casualties among Israeli and US military personnel. Millions have been displaced across both Lebanon and Iran.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is consulting with Asian and European governments about potentially releasing additional oil reserves amid rising global energy concerns. IEA executive director Fatih Birol indicated that stockpile releases would be considered if necessary.

"A stock release will help to comfort the markets, but this is not the solution," Birol stated during a press conference in Canberra. He emphasized that opening the Strait of Hormuz remains crucial for stabilizing global oil supply.

Recent reports from maritime intelligence firm Windward AI indicate that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is nearing collapse, with only 16 visible crossings recorded over the past week. The firm noted that vessels are increasingly rerouting through Iranian territorial waters as Gulf energy exports decline.

As military actions escalate, Israel has initiated a series of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure in Tehran. Reports indicate significant explosions across various parts of the capital.

In Urmia, an airstrike has reportedly leveled residential buildings, prompting rescue efforts for survivors trapped under debris. A separate strike on a radio station in Bandar Abbas resulted in at least one fatality.

As Trump's deadline approaches, Iran has reiterated its threats against energy and water infrastructure across the Gulf if its power grid is attacked. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed victory over Iran while criticizing domestic political opponents.

The head of the IEA warned that the world faces an unprecedented energy crisis, likening current disruptions to multiple historical oil crises combined. He highlighted that losses from this conflict have surpassed those from previous oil shocks.

Birol cautioned that no nation would be immune to the repercussions of this crisis if it continues unchecked. He noted significant damage to energy assets across the region and ongoing discussions about further stockpile releases to mitigate market impacts.