TEHRAN – The Iranian military issued a defiant ultimatum on Sunday, threatening to permanently seal the Strait of Hormuz if the United States follows through on President Donald Trump’s weekend threat to “obliterate” the Islamic Republic’s power grid.
The statement from Khatam Al-Anbiya, Iran’s central military operational command, marks a perilous escalation in the conflict that began on February 28, 2026. Tehran warned that the strategic waterway—already operating at just 5% of its normal capacity—would be “completely closed” and not reopened until any destroyed infrastructure is fully rebuilt.
The 48-Hour Ultimatum
The tensions peaked after President Trump gave Iran a 48-hour deadline on Saturday night to fully reopen the strait without threat. Writing on social media, Trump stated that failure to comply would result in the U.S. hitting Iran’s “various power plants,” beginning with the largest facilities.
Analysts suggest potential targets include the Bushehr nuclear plant or the Damavand natural gas plant near Tehran.
In a swift counter-move, Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari stated that any violation of Iran’s energy infrastructure would trigger immediate retaliatory strikes against:
1.Israeli infrastructure: Including power plants, ICT networks, and desalination facilities.
2.Regional U.S. interests: Power plants in neighboring countries hosting American bases.
3.Private Sector: Any regional companies with American shareholders.
Global Energy Crisis Deepens
The “de facto” closure of the strait since late February has already sent shockwaves through the global economy. Approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil and LNG typically passes through the narrow channel.
According to analytics firm Kpler, traffic has slowed to a near-standstill. Brent crude has surged over 50% since the start of the war, currently trading around $112 per barrel, with some physical oil premiums pushing prices even higher in Asian markets. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has described the situation as the “biggest oil supply shock” in history.
Regional Impact
The war, which the U.S. dubbed Operation Epic Fury and Israel named Roaring Lion, has spread rapidly across the Middle East. While Iran has allowed a handful of “friendly” vessels to transit the waterway in recent days, the Iranian Parliament is reportedly considering permanent tolls on all future shipping, signaling that maritime traffic will likely never return to pre-war norms.
As the 48-hour window draws to a close, the international community remains on high alert, with Japan and other nations floating potential minesweeping roles should a ceasefire ever be reached. For now, the “Strait of Silence” remains the world’s most dangerous flashpoint.
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