US President Donald Trump on Saturday warned that Washington would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran fails to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, signalling a dramatic escalation in the conflict.
“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Trump said on social media.
The ultimatum came just a day after Trump suggested the possibility of “winding down” the war.
Iran Issues Warning on Energy Infrastructure.
Iran’s Unified Combatant Command of the Armed Forces warned that any attack on the country’s fuel and energy infrastructure would trigger a broader response across the region.
According to Iranian media, the command said that if Iran’s energy facilities are targeted, “all energy infrastructures belonging to the U.S. in the region will be targeted.”
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The situation has since intensified, with Israeli officials confirming that Iran has, for the first time, deployed long-range missiles. The move raises concerns that the conflict could extend far beyond the Middle East.
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said Iran launched two ballistic missiles with a range of 4,000 kilometres towards the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The Israeli military described this as the “first time” Iran had used such long-range capabilities since the United States and Israel began strikes on Iran on 28 February.
“These missiles are not intended to strike Israel. Their range reaches European capitals – Berlin, Paris, and Rome are all within direct threat range,” Zamir said in a statement