Iran-US Tensions Escalate, Regional Energy Infrastructure Becomes Target

JAKARTA — Iran has warned that it will attack energy facilities in the Middle East region if the United States (US) and Israel proceed with plans to strike its power plants. This threat adds to uncertainty in the global energy market amid the escalation of the conflict that has been ongoing for the past few weeks. The warning came after US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum demanding that Iran fully open the shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz, or face potential attacks on its electricity infrastructure. In an official statement quoted by Reuters on Monday (23/3/2026), Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps affirmed that it is prepared to target Israel’s power plants as well as facilities supplying energy to US military bases in the region. The statement emphasised a strategy of reciprocal deterrence with the message that “if you attack electricity, we attack electricity.” Iran had previously warned of possible attacks on energy and water infrastructure in Gulf countries if its power plants become targets of strikes. Tensions have risen after Trump set a deadline of about 48 hours for Iran to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains fully open to international shipping. That ultimatum has deepened energy market concerns regarding potential disruptions to global oil distribution. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic route for world energy trade, with around one-fifth of global supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas passing through those waters. Iran stated that the route remains open to ships not associated with countries it considers “enemies,” but emphasised that shipping must coordinate with Tehran’s authorities for safety. In the latest development, Iran’s threat to close that strategic shipping lane is described as part of its response to potential attacks on its domestic electricity infrastructure. The conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel has entered its fourth week, with increasing intensity of attacks sparking concerns over the expansion of war in the region.