Iran says it will ‘irreversibly destroy’ Middle East infrastructure if US attacks energy sites
Iran threatens to ‘permanently damage’ Middle East infrastructure in response to US strike threats
Iranian officials announced plans to target critical infrastructure throughout the region if the United States launches an assault on its energy facilities, following Donald Trump’s warning to “completely dismantle” Iranian power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz is unblocked within two days. The declaration came after missile strikes on two southern Israeli cities late into the night, which injured over a hundred individuals and caused significant damage to residential structures.
Political Statements and Escalation Concerns
The Iranian parliament’s speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that “essential infrastructure, including energy and oil sites,” would become “acceptable targets” following an attack on Iran’s own facilities. In a separate statement, the Iranian military’s operational command, Khatam al-Anbiya, asserted that if the US proceeded with its threat, the strait would be “entirely closed” until Iran’s power plants were fully restored.
“Threats and terror are only reinforcing Iranian solidarity,” said President Masoud Pezeshkian. “The belief that Iran can be erased from the map reflects a nation’s struggle against the resolve of a historically significant country.”
The conflict, now entering its fourth week, has seen escalating tensions. Iranian attacks have effectively shut down the narrow strait, a key route for roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas, leading to the most severe oil crisis since the 1970s. European gas prices rose as high as 35% last week due to the disruption.
Recent Attacks and Israeli Response
On Sunday, air raid alarms rang across Israel, signaling incoming Iranian missiles after scores were injured in two separate strikes on Arad and Dimona. The Israeli military confirmed it could not intercept the projectiles, which hit near the Negev Desert nuclear center. This marked the first time Iranian missiles breached Israel’s air defense in the area. Approximately 200 people were wounded, including two young children in critical condition.
“We are targeting the regime, the IRGC, this criminal group,” declared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Arad. “We are focusing on their leaders, installations, and economic holdings.”
Iran claimed the strikes were a response to a US attack on its Natanz nuclear enrichment plant. Israel denied responsibility, while the Pentagon remained silent on the matter. Additional casualties occurred in Tel Aviv on Sunday morning when a cluster bomb attack injured 15 individuals, intensifying pressure on Israel’s air defense systems.
Since February 28, when the US and Israel began their operations against Iran, over 2,000 lives have been lost. Tehran retaliated by striking Israeli and Gulf targets, drawing Lebanon into the conflict after Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group, launched an attack on Israel. The situation continues to grow more volatile as both sides prepare for further actions.
