Iran Threatens To ‘Completely’ Close Strait Of Hormuz
And Hit Power Plants After Trump Ultimatum
Original Story by MSNBC
March 23, 2026
As the war in the Middle East stretches into its fourth week, the United States and Iran threaten to target critical infrastructure, raising the risk to civilians and economies. Tehran warned it would completely close the Strait of Hormuz if Washington proceeds with attacks on Iran’s power plants, while Trump set a 48-hour deadline to open the strait. The conflict has spilled over to Israel, Lebanon, and the Gulf, with heavy fighting, fatalities, and warnings that key energy and water infrastructure could be at risk. Although Israel and the U.S. pursue goals to weaken Iran’s nuclear and proxy networks, signs of broader escalation and international legal concerns persist. The situation remains unstable, with no clear end in sight and the potential for wider disruption to global energy flows and regional security.
Dive Deeper:
The war began February 28, involving the United States and Israel, and has since resulted in over 2,000 deaths across the region, with Hezbollah and other actors participating in attacks and counterattacks.
Iran threatened to completely close the Strait of Hormuz immediately if the U.S. follows through on attacks on Iranian power plants, a move that would affect roughly one-fifth of global oil supply.
Trump issued a 48-hour deadline to open the strait and publicly linked potential actions to destroying Iran’s power plants, starting with the largest; U.S. and Israeli officials cite Revolutionary Guard control of much of Iran’s infrastructure as enabling the war effort.
Israel conducted strikes near a southern community adjacent to a secretive nuclear site, and Lebanese authorities reported significant damage and casualties from strikes on bridges over the Litani River and other targets in Lebanon, with authorities claiming over 1,000 dead in Lebanon and more than a million displaced.
Iran claimed its Negev Desert strikes were retaliation for an attack on its Natanz enrichment site, while Israeli and international observers noted a decrease in Iranian missile launches since the war began.
Cross-border violence extended to southern Lebanon and southern Israel, with an Israeli civilian killed in Misgav Am and ongoing rocket and drone exchanges that have raised concerns about a potential ground invasion.
International reactions highlighted legal and humanitarian concerns over targeting power plants and critical infrastructure, with Iranian officials warning of broader regional consequences if such targets are attacked.
***