image sourced from original article at President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iranian power plants within 48 hours if Iran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route. In a social media post, he warned that the United States would 'obliterate' key energy facilities, escalating tensions as the conflict enters its fourth week.
Iran responded that any attack on its energy infrastructure would trigger strikes on United States and Israeli assets in the region. The standoff has already disrupted nearly all commercial shipping through the strait, curbing oil exports from major producers and driving up global food and fuel prices.
Meanwhile, Iranian missiles struck the Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad, injuring at least 64 people and damaging multiple residential buildings. It marked the first time missiles penetrated air defenses near Israel’s main nuclear research center, signaling a potential new phase in the conflict.
The strikes followed an earlier attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site. International monitors said there were no immediate reports of radiation leaks, but global concern is rising that continued attacks on nuclear and energy facilities could trigger wider regional consequences.
