Iran Signals Potential Escalation: US Threats Could Trigger Wider Retaliation
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Tehran, March 23 (NationPress) The chief military command of Iran, known as Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, has issued a stern warning that power facilities located in nations hosting US military installations may be deemed valid targets if the United States opts to strike Iran's power infrastructure.
This warning follows comments made by US President Donald Trump, who threatened to target Iran's energy facilities, as reported by the Xinhua news agency citing Iranian state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.
According to the statement, the Strait of Hormuz remains operational and is under Iran's 'intelligent control,' with safe passage continuing under specific regulations designed to protect national security and interests.
Should the US carry out its threats, Iranian forces would respond with immediate punitive actions, including a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz until the damaged Iranian facilities are fully restored.
Additional countermeasures could involve extensive strikes on Israel's energy, communication, and power infrastructure, assaults on regional businesses connected to US capital, and attacks on power facilities in nations that host US military bases.
The statement emphasized that Iran would implement 'all necessary measures' to safeguard its national interests and would persist in its operations against the economic and energy infrastructure linked to the US and its allies in the region.
Previously, President Trump threatened to 'hit and obliterate' Iran’s power plants within 48 hours if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, asserting that the US was nearing its military objectives in the ongoing conflict.
In a series of tweets, Trump issued a direct ultimatum regarding this key waterway, stating: 'If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS... the United States of America will target and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!'
This warning signifies a notable escalation focused on the Strait of Hormuz, an essential global energy route, even as Trump indicated that US military operations could soon come to a close.