Iran threatened on Sunday to “completely close” the Strait of Hormuz if U.S. President Donald Trump follows his warning to attack Iranian energy facilities within 48 hours. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said energy bases in countries where U.S. bases are located would be “legitimate” targets.The US president warned: “If Iran does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz without threat, then within 48 hours from this time, the United States of America will attack and destroy their various power plants, starting with the largest ones.”In response to Trump, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bakr Qalibaf warned that critical facilities in the region could be “irreversibly destroyed” if Tehran’s infrastructure was targeted. Iranian military officials also said they may target U.S.-related energy, technology and water infrastructure in the Gulf.Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed. “The Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed and will not open until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt,” the Guard said in a statement.The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, carrying a large portion of the world’s oil and gas supplies. Iran closed the route on February 28. The disruption to the narrow waterway has reduced tanker traffic, pushed up fuel prices and affected global markets.The situation on the ground remains unstable. After a new round of missile launches, air raid sirens were sounded in some areas of Israel. On March 21, attacks increased, with US-Israeli attacks concentrated around Tehran and spreading to central and southern Iran, including areas near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with attacks on Israel and parts of the Gulf.According to the Israel Defense Forces, Iran has launched more than 400 ballistic missiles since the war began, about 92 percent of which were intercepted before hitting their targets.The impact of the conflict has been felt by both sides. The Red Crescent said more than 81,000 civilian homes and buildings in Iran were damaged in U.S. and Israeli attacks. In Israel, authorities said more than 2,700 people had been forced from their homes due to Iranian attacks, with government agencies providing support and shelter.At the same time, Iran-backed Hezbollah launched multiple rocket attacks on Tel Aviv. Israel responded with attacks and ground operations in southern Lebanon.Tensions are also affecting the global economy. Oil prices have soared to multi-year highs, with Brent crude rising to around $110 a barrel after hitting $119 earlier in the day.
