Iran issues stark warning, threatens to target energy, desalination plants in Gulf

2026-03-22 - 07:32

Iran has issued a strong warning that it will retaliate by targeting US-linked energy and desalination facilities if its own energy infrastructure comes under attack. The statement follows remarks by Donald Trump, who threatened to strike Iran’s power plants if the strategic Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. Tensions have escalated sharply in recent days, with maritime traffic through the vital waterway largely disrupted. The slowdown comes amid Iranian threats to target oil tankers in response to joint US-Israeli military operations in the region, dw.com reports. In a statement carried by Fars News Agency, Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that any attack on its fuel and energy facilities would trigger a broader response. The statement said that energy systems, information technology networks, and desalination infrastructure linked to the United States and its regional allies would become legitimate targets. Desalination plants are considered critical infrastructure across Gulf countries, as they provide essential freshwater supplies for drinking, agriculture, and industry. Any disruption to these facilities could have severe humanitarian and economic consequences for the region.