Donald Trump and Iran have both threatened to intensify their conflict, with energy and fuel infrastructure in the Gulf now potential targets, raising fears of further disruption to global markets, reports RTE.
Mr Trump warned he would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran did not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, marking a sharp escalation just a day after suggesting the war—now in its fourth week—might wind down, reports RTE.
Iran responded by warning it would strike US infrastructure in the Gulf, including energy facilities, if such threats were carried out, as US Marines and heavy landing equipment continue to move into the region.
More than 2,000 people have been killed since the US and Israel launched the war on 28 February, a conflict that has unsettled global markets, driven up fuel prices and increased fears of inflation, reports RTE.
Market analyst Tony Sycamore said: “President Trump’s threat has now placed a 48-hour ticking time bomb of elevated uncertainty over markets. If the ultimatum is not walked back, we will likely see a Black Monday reopening of global equity markets in free fall and oil prices spiking significantly higher,” reports RTE.
He warned that Iran could target Gulf energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, which would deepen the crisis and prolong high energy costs.
Oil prices surged to their highest levels in nearly four years after Iraq declared force majeure on foreign-operated oilfields, Israel struck a major Iranian gas field, and Tehran retaliated with attacks on neighbouring states, reports RTE.
Iran’s actions have effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for about one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, triggering the worst oil crisis since the 1970s and pushing European gas prices up by as much as 35% last week.
“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!” Mr Trump posted on social media around 11.45pm last night, reports RTE.
Hours later, Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organisation said the strait remained open to all shipping except vessels linked to “Iran’s enemies”.
Ali Mousavi said ships could still pass by coordinating with Tehran on safety and security arrangements, reports RTE.
Tracking data shows some vessels, including Indian-flagged ships and a Pakistani oil tanker, have managed to pass through, reflecting Pakistan’s ties with both Iran and Western allies, reports RTE.
Mr Sycamore said the US strategy appears aimed at making the Hormuz blockade “economically and politically unbearable” for Tehran without destroying oil fields that would damage long-term global supply.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya warned that any US strike on its energy infrastructure would prompt attacks on American energy, IT and desalination facilities across the region, reports RTE.
Strikes on Iran’s power plants could trigger widespread blackouts, disrupting refineries, exports and military operations.
Iran’s largest facilities include the Damavand plant near Tehran, Kerman in the southeast and Ramin in Khuzestan, all of which generate more power than its nuclear plant at Bushehr.
Iran expands risks with long-range missiles
Iran launched long-range missiles for the first time yesterday, increasing the threat beyond the Middle East, with one strike landing near Israel’s nuclear reactor close to Dimona, reports RTE.
Emergency service Magen David Adom said 84 people were injured in Arad, ten seriously, while dozens more were hurt earlier in nearby Dimona, reports RTE.
Iranian state media said the strike on Dimona was retaliation for an earlier attack on its nuclear facility at Natanz.
Fire services said missile defence systems failed to intercept incoming threats, leading to direct impacts from ballistic missiles.
The Israeli military said it would investigate the failure, with spokesman Effie Defrin stating: “The air defence systems operated but did not intercept the missile, we will investigate the incident and learn from it, reports RTE.
Iran also launched two long-range missiles at the US-British base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, according to Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir.
“These missiles are not intended to strike Israel. Their range reaches European capitals – Berlin, Paris, and Rome are all within direct threat range,” he said, reports RTE.
Israel said it carried out strikes on Tehran hours after the attacks on southern Israel.
Mr Trump’s administration has sent mixed signals about its objectives in the war, leaving allies uncertain about how to respond.
He has criticised NATO allies for not taking stronger action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while many remain reluctant to enter a conflict they say began without consultation, reports RTE.
Toshimitsu Motegi said Japan could consider deploying forces for minesweeping operations in the strait if a ceasefire is reached.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 59% of Americans oppose US military strikes against Iran, while 37% support them.
The conflict is increasingly becoming a political challenge for Mr Trump ahead of November’s congressional midterm elections, as rising energy costs continue to impact households and businesses, reports RTE.
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