Mohammad Sio
22 March 2026•Update: 22 March 2026
ISTANBUL
Iran warned Sunday that energy and critical infrastructure across the region would become “legitimate targets” if its own facilities are attacked.
“Immediately after the power stations and infrastructure in our country are targeted, the critical infrastructure, energy infrastructure, and oil facilities throughout the region will be deemed legitimate targets,” Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said in a statement posted on the US social media company X.
These targets “will be destroyed in an irreversible manner,” he added, warning that “the price of oil will remain elevated for a long time.”
The threat came after US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum Saturday, giving Tehran 48 hours to open the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants, “starting with the biggest one first.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Friday that Iran would show “zero restraint” if its infrastructure was attacked.
Since early March, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route that normally handles about 20 million barrels per day and roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade, to most ships. The closure has driven up shipping and insurance costs, pushed oil prices higher, and raised global economic concerns.
Regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries, which it says are targeting “US military assets,” causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
