Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Iranian energy infrastructure if Strait of Hormuz remains closed

President Trump warned Saturday that U.S. forces would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants in 48 hours if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, signaling a new direction for the war as it moves into its fourth week.

Mr. Trump, who is facing pressure from lawmakers to define what victory in Iran looks like amid rising gas prices, issued the statement on Truth Social.

“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!” he posted Saturday.

Destroying Iran’s power plants could potentially plunge millions of Iranians into darkness, and it’s not guaranteed to halt Iran’s strikes against Israel and its Persian Gulf neighbors.

Iranian leaders said they would respond in kind to any attacks on the energy infrastructure, vowing to hit U.S. and Israeli power sites across the Middle East.

Iran military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari said Sunday that “fuel, energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure” in the surrounding region would be legitimate targets. Mr. Zolfaghari added that, in the event of U.S. attacks on Iranian power plants, the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the damaged facilities are fully repaired. 

Tehran has insisted that the Strait of Hormuz, through which at least 20% of the world’s oil travels each year, remains open to everyone except Iran’s enemies in the war. Iran has reportedly allowed Chinese, Indian and Pakistani-flagged ships to traverse the narrow waterway safely in recent days.

Iranian missiles struck two towns in southern Israel late Saturday near the country’s main nuclear reactor, injuring dozens of people. The strikes demonstrate Iran’s willingness to target civilian infrastructure in retaliation and how even Israel’s advanced defense systems can be penetrated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to commit to assisting U.S. forces in striking Iran’s power plants on Sunday but said Mr. Trump knows “exactly what he’s doing.”

“Whatever we do, we do together and as far as possible in confidence,” Mr. Netanyahu said.

Israel last week struck Iran’s South Pars gas field, reportedly backed by U.S. forces. The facility is the largest of its kind in the world, and the attacks sent shock waves through global energy markets.

Mr. Trump reportedly pushed Israel to halt any further attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure.

• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.