US President Donald Trump has threatened to launch strikes on Iran’s power infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours, escalating tensions in an already volatile conflict.

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In a message posted on social media, Trump said the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants if Tehran failed to ensure the safe passage of ships through the strategic waterway.

Ultimatum over key oil route

“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS… the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS,” he wrote, adding that the largest facilities would be targeted first.

The Strait of Hormuz, located off Iran’s southern coast, is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, handling roughly a fifth of global oil supplies. Since the outbreak of the conflict, Iran has effectively blocked the passage, disrupting energy markets and raising global concerns over supply.

Mixed signals on military strategy

The warning comes amid conflicting messages from Washington about the direction of the military campaign. Just a day earlier, Trump suggested that US operations in the region could soon be scaled back, saying the country was “very close to meeting our objectives”.

Despite that statement, the latest threat indicates the administration is prepared to escalate further if key demands are not met. Trump also said the US would assist Gulf nations in securing the strait “if asked”, signalling a willingness to expand involvement in safeguarding maritime routes.

Strategic and economic stakes

The closure of the strait has had significant implications for global energy flows, with the route serving as a critical artery for oil exports from the Gulf. Any prolonged disruption risks further volatility in oil prices and broader economic consequences worldwide.

Iran has not publicly responded to the latest ultimatum, but the warning adds to mounting pressure as hostilities continue across the region.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 March 2026

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Targeting civilian energy infrastructure is not a trivial threat. It’s the kind of tactic the international community has repeatedly condemned when used by other states.

When Putin struck Ukrainian power grids, world leaders called it an attack on civilian life and a violation of international humanitarian norms.

The same principle applies here: power plants are not military targets, they are lifelines for hospitals, water systems, and civilian survival.

If Trump were to carry out such strikes, the humanitarian fallout would be catastrophic.

Iran has already warned it would retaliate by targeting U.S. energy infrastructure, escalating the risk of a regional spiral.

So now Trump's just declaring up front that he's fine with committing what would widely be considered as war crimes.

Facilities such as power plants are classified as infrastructure indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, and their deliberate targeting is prohibited by the Geneva Conventions.

As the strait is mined, there is no chance – it will take months to clear, but he doesn't have the boats to do that. He doesn't seem to be in touch with reality – just some plot of a Hollywood disaster movie

One thing is certain: that whether or not he hits the power plants, it will ot clear the strait of Hormuz; in fact, it will tighten Iran's grip

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Just a related reminder that Americans globally are warned that we have been put in potentially harm's way by the trump action. Support him? Fine here we are:

===============================================

Worldwide Caution Security Alert March 22, 2026 -

The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.

Location: Worldwide

Event: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world.

With all due respect you the good American people elected this man and consequently his administration. Your lack of action in stopping him has and will continue to result in decisions that will negatively affect the entire world including you. Worst is yet to come unless you put a stop to it. As Thai lady’s of the night say after you ask them how much “up to you”.

Trump's view on presidents starting wars with Iran...

We all know Donald he can only double down…..what could possibly go wrong……I suggest holding onto your hats cause it’s about to hit the fan……tired of winning yet magga?

On 3/22/2026 at 2:41 PM, Jim Waldron said:

Targeting civilian energy infrastructure is not a trivial threat.

Dual use. Both civilian and military.

He of course is threatening this as the alternative is a quagmire...

https://www.aljazeera.com/#flips-6391431508112

The Gulf states are unlikely to get involved, regardless of the propaganda that suggests they are all for it(except Oman).

I sincerely hope he’s bluffing because this will have a terrible global effect, as well as devastate the lives of Iranian protestors who he told “help is on the way”. I don’t think that’s quite the help they were expecting.

The Iranians have threatened to target infrastructure, including desalination plants in retaliation. At least two countries have over 90% of their water supplied that way and it really would be a catastrophe for the Middle East.

You can bet your bottom Dollar the zealous Mullahs in Iran will follow through the threat through as well.

34 minutes ago, BexMan said:

I sincerely hope he’s bluffing because this will have a terrible global effect, as well as devastate the lives of Iranian protestors who he told “help is on the way”. I don’t think that’s quite the help they were expecting.

The Iranians have threatened to target infrastructure, including desalination plants in retaliation. At least two countries have over 90% of their water supplied that way and it really would be a catastrophe for the Middle East.

You can bet your bottom Dollar the zealous Mullahs in Iran will follow through the threat through as well.

There will be massive retaliation against regional energy infrastructure and closing of Hormuz and the Red Sea by Iran. Huge risks if Trump goes ahead with his threat. Even if he does go ahead, the bombing of power plants will be high efforts and low rewards. Iran's 130 power plants supplying 95% of the country's energy need is a large network and widely dispersed. It will need a massive sustained bombing campaign; not a limited one. Knocking out even the largest Damavad power plant will only removed about 3-4% of total capacity. There will be sever humantarian impact to civilian infrastructure, hospitals etc. Announcing a major military action without a plan and consulting his military experts in Truth Social is unprecedented. That it was done after the stock market closed leave me to think that this another of his narrative grapping attention seeking pique moment.

25 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

There will be massive retaliation against regional energy infrastructure and closing of Hormuz and the Red Sea by Iran. Huge risks if Trump goes ahead with his threat. Even if he does go ahead, the bombing of power plants will be high efforts and low rewards. Iran's 130 power plants supplying 95% of the country's energy need is a large network and widely dispersed. It will need a massive sustained bombing campaign; not a limited one. Knocking out even the largest Damavad power plant will only removed about 3-4% of total capacity. There will be sever humantarian impact to civilian infrastructure, hospitals etc. Announcing a major military action without a plan and consulting his military experts in Truth Social is unprecedented. That it was done after the stock market closed leave me to think that this another of his narrative grapping attention seeking pique moment.

It has over 400 Power Plants according to Sky News.

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

Dual use. Both civilian and military.

Interestingly I've got 3 thumbs down so for this. Thing is it's a fact. Energy facilities are considered dual use.

3 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Interestingly I've got 3 thumbs down so for this. Thing is it's a fact. Energy facilities are considered dual use.

So you'll be okay with that if it ever happens in your sphere?

13 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Interestingly I've got 3 thumbs down so for this. Thing is it's a fact. Energy facilities are considered dual use.

An Amerian cheering on war crimes. Nothing new since Dresden.

5 minutes ago, jts-khorat said:

An Amerian cheering on war crimes. Nothing new since Dresden.

Ridiculous. I'm simply pointing out the FACT that energy facilities are considered dual use. How can this be cheering? As for Dresden that was both the US and the UK and was a target with no military value. This is in no way, shape or form analogous to hitting power plants in Iran with precision weapons. Unethical? Yes. Morally incorrect? Yes.

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

considered dual use.

Ah, here's a new expression that seems to be used in some form of justification – what country has power supplies that aren't?

Let's put that in my glossary along with "imminent threat", "weapons of mass destruction", "collateral damage", "short campaign", "defensive war", "military intervention", "existential threat". "democratising" and "regime change” and "clean/surgical strike” “Axis”

People are forgetting....whilst we are playing checkers Trump is playing 5D chess in 4D curved spacetime.......we can't possibly see what he sees....whatever has happened ....rocketing oil costs, two billion dollars a day on missiles, closure of the strait (or straight as he calls it)......this was all part of his plan.....you all need to give up second guessing his next move.

Just on Aljazeera news,

5 minutes ago, MIke B Bad said:

People are forgetting....whilst we are playing checkers Trump is playing 5D chess in 4D curved spacetime.......we can't possibly see what he sees....whatever has happened ....rocketing oil costs, two billion dollars a day on missiles, closure of the strait (or straight as he calls it)......this was all part of his plan.....you all need to give up second guessing his next move.

You mean he wants to divide the world's oil supplies between himself and Russia?

2 minutes ago, roo860 said:

Just on Aljazeera news,

....and Netanyahu I wonder?

Loving the witch.

1 minute ago, kwilco said:

You mean he wants to divide the world's oil supplies between himself and Russia?

You can only wait and see.....the man is so far ahead of his time....555

1 hour ago, roo860 said:

Just on Aljazeera news,

TACO time! 🤣

6 minutes ago, candide said:

TACO time! 🤣

Iran news agencies reporting that no such discussions have taken place.

No talks are underway between Tehran and Washington, Iran says

There are no talks between Tehran and Washington, Iran’s foreign ministry said, rejecting remarks by US President Donald Trump, semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

The ministry said Trump’s comments were part of an effort to lower energy prices and buy time for his military plans.

It said there have been initiatives by regional countries to reduce tensions, but added that Iran’s response to all of them was clear: “We are not the party that started this war, and all these requests should be referred to Washington.”

https://www.iranintl.com/en/liveblog/202603192844#202603237530

4 minutes ago, Enoon said:

Iran news agencies reporting that no such discussions have taken place.

No talks are underway between Tehran and Washington, Iran says

There are no talks between Tehran and Washington, Iran’s foreign ministry said, rejecting remarks by US President Donald Trump, semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

The ministry said Trump’s comments were part of an effort to lower energy prices and buy time for his military plans.

It said there have been initiatives by regional countries to reduce tensions, but added that Iran’s response to all of them was clear: “We are not the party that started this war, and all these requests should be referred to Washington.”

https://www.iranintl.com/en/liveblog/202603192844#202603237530

Both Trump and Iran leaders are liars, but Trump is even more likely to lie than them! 😁

5 hours ago, Tug said:

We all know Donald he can only double down…..what could possibly go wrong……I suggest holding onto your hats cause it’s about to hit the fan……tired of winning yet magga?

Sadly, yes.

Time for a US revolution.