The Middle East conflict has entered a more dangerous phase after Iran warned it would completely close the Strait of Hormuz if US President Donald Trump carries out his threat to strike Iranian energy facilities within 48 hours. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said energy sites in countries hosting US bases would become “lawful” targets.
The US President had warned: “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!”
In response, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that if Tehran’s infrastructure is attacked, key facilities across the region could be “irreversibly destroyed”. Iranian military officials also warned they could target US-linked energy, technology and water infrastructure in the Gulf.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the Strait of Hormuz would remain shut. “The Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed and will not be opened until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt,” the Guards said in a statement.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, carrying a large share of global oil and gas supplies. Iran closed the vital energy route on February 28. Disruptions in the narrow waterway have already slowed tanker movement, pushed up fuel prices and unsettled global markets.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important?
The Strait of Hormuz is a key global shipping route for oil and gas. A large portion of the world’s energy supplies passes through it every day. The closure has already affected tanker movement, raised fuel prices and created uncertainty in global markets.
The situation on the ground remains unstable. Air raid sirens were heard across parts of Israel after fresh missile launches. Strikes increased on March 21, with US-Israeli attacks mainly focused on areas around Tehran and spreading across central and southern Iran, including areas near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with strikes on Israel and parts of the Gulf.
According to the IDF, Iran has launched more than 400 ballistic missiles since the conflict began, but most were stopped midair by defence systems. Officials said about 92% of these missiles were intercepted before reaching their targets.
The conflict has also spread beyond the immediate region, with recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran rising above the previous week’s average.
What damage has the conflict caused so far?
The impact of the conflict is being felt on both sides. In Iran, the Red Crescent said more than 81,000 civilian homes and buildings have been damaged in US-Israeli strikes. In Israel, authorities said over 2,700 people have been forced to leave their homes due to Iranian attacks, with government agencies providing support and shelter.
Read More: Iran fires missiles toward US-UK base in Diego Garcia, none hit target: Report
