Iran Threatens ‘Total Shutdown’ of Strait of Hormuz: A Stark Warning to the U.S. Over Power Plant Strikes
Iran has issued a stark warning regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, threatening to “completely close” the vital passage if the United States acts on its threats to target Iranian power plants. This statement, reported by ANI and broadcast through Press TV, came from Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters. He emphasized that the strait will not be reopened until Iran rebuilds the power facilities affected by U.S. actions.
While the strait remains under Iran’s control, Zolfaghari clarified that it has not been fully closed yet. “We have said repeatedly that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to the enemy and to harmful traffic,” he noted. However, he assured that “harmless passage occurs under specific regulations that ensure our security and interests.”
Zolfaghari did not stop at merely addressing the Strait of Hormuz; he extended Iran’s retaliatory capabilities beyond the waterway, targeting regional energy infrastructures. He warned that “all power plants, energy infrastructure, and information technology infrastructure of the Zionist regime will be extensively targeted.” This includes asserting that “the power plants of countries in the region that host American bases will be legitimate targets for us.”
The rhetoric intensified as Zolfaghari vowed that the consequences would extend to U.S. economic interests in the region. “Everything is ready for the great struggle aimed at the complete destruction of all American economic interests in the West Asia region,” he stated, adding that companies with American shareholders in the area would face significant risks.
Despite these strong warnings, Zolfaghari insisted that Iran does not desire conflict. He stated, “We were not the initiators of war… however, if the enemy damages our power plants, we will do whatever it takes to defend our country.” This declaration echoes a broader strategy to assert Iran’s power and influence while navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.
The warning from Iran follows a direct ultimatum issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that the U.S. would strike Iran’s power infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz isn’t reopened. Trump’s message, shared on Truth Social, demanded that Iran “FULLY OPEN” the strait, giving Tehran a 48-hour deadline to comply.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global oil shipments, remains at the forefront of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Any disruption in this vital shipping route could have significant economic and geopolitical repercussions, impacting international oil prices and energy stability. As both nations continue to exchange threats, the situation remains volatile, with potential consequences reverberating throughout the region and beyond.
With the stakes high, the world watches closely as Iran and the U.S. navigate this dangerous standoff, aware that the implications could extend far beyond the confines of the Gulf.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/iran-warns-of-complete-closure-of-strait-of-hormuz-if-us-targets-its-power-plants-11774206458346.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-23 01:40:00
