Iran’s military has threatened to completely shut down the strategic Strait of Hormuz if US President Donald Trump acts on warnings to target Iranian power plants. The announcement comes amid a conflict that began on February 28, following US-Israeli bombardment of Iran.
“If the United States’ threats regarding Iran’s power plants are carried out… the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed, and it will not be reopened until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt,” said the military’s operational command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, in a statement carried by state TV.
The military further warned it would target Israel’s power plants, energy facilities, and ICT infrastructure, as well as power plants in regional countries hosting US bases and companies with US shareholders. The statement emphasized that these measures are “to defend our country and the interests of our nation.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor through which about 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes. Since the start of the war, traffic has dropped to roughly five per cent of its pre-war volume, according to analytics firm Kpler.
Iranian forces have reportedly attacked multiple vessels for failing to heed warnings, though some ships from friendly nations have been allowed to pass. Tehran has also indicated that ships from countries it views as participating in aggression will be blocked.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, head of the Iranian parliament, suggested imposing tolls on shipping through the strait, warning that maritime traffic “will not return to its pre-war status.”
The escalating threats come amid continued drone and missile attacks by Iran on Israel and US interests in the region, further heightening concerns over global energy supply and regional security.
