US-Iran conflict deepens: Trump threatens power plants as Tehran promises retaliation

TEHRAN: Tensions in the Gulf are rising sharply as US President Donald Trump and Iran exchange threats targeting each other’s energy and water infrastructure. Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Iran fully reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, warning that US forces would strike Iranian power plants if it does not comply.

In response, Iran threatened to attack US facilities and energy and desalination plants across the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. Iran’s Parliament Speaker warned that any attacks on Iranian power plants could “irreversibly destroy” critical infrastructure in the region.

Air raid sirens sounded across Israel early Sunday as missiles from Iran struck southern towns, injuring dozens. Israel retaliated with strikes on Iranian positions. Iran also fired long-range missiles toward the US-British military base at Diego Garcia and near Israel’s Dimona nuclear reactor, signaling the conflict could extend beyond the Middle East.

The escalation has already disrupted global energy markets. The near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent oil prices surging and European gas costs rising sharply. Analysts warn further attacks could trigger blackouts, disrupt shipping, and worsen global inflation. Desert Gulf states with limited coastlines, such as Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, are especially vulnerable, as their desalination plants are critical for both water supply and economic stability.

Trump has also posted on social media that the US is close to meeting its military objectives, which include degrading Iran’s missile capabilities, destroying its defense industrial base, eliminating its navy and air force, preventing nuclear advancement, and protecting Middle Eastern allies. He added that the Strait of Hormuz should be policed by other nations and that US assistance would be available if needed.

Alongside these threats, Hezbollah in Lebanon has fired hundreds of rockets into northern Israel, prompting Israeli retaliation. The broader conflict has already caused thousands of deaths, including over a thousand in Lebanon.

Global observers, including Pope Leo, have called for an end to the violence, warning of the human and economic toll. Public opinion in the US is divided, with many Americans disapproving of military action against Iran. As the 48-hour deadline approaches, fears of a wider regional war with serious global consequences continue to grow.