As the war between the United States and Iran’s regime has entered an unprecedented phase, Trump stated in a message that if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened without threat within 48 hours, the United States will target Iran’s power plants with military strikes. This explicit threat is considered one of Washington’s most severe official positions in recent weeks. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital energy transit routes, is currently facing serious disruption in ship traffic, and much of the shipping through it has effectively been halted.
According to reports, the main potential targets if this threat is carried out would be Iran’s major power plants, including the Damavand power plant near Tehran, the Kerman power plant, and the Ramin power plant in Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran. The Bushehr nuclear power plant, located along the Persian Gulf, is also considered one of the country’s key energy infrastructures. This threat comes as more than 20 countries around the world have called for ensuring the security of shipping through this vital route and have condemned Iran’s move to close the waterway.
A report published by Axios, a U.S.-based news website, indicates that the Trump administration has begun preliminary discussions about initiating peace negotiations with Iran. Figures such as Jared Kushner, former senior advisor to Trump, and Steve Witkoff, a businessman involved in diplomatic efforts, are playing roles in this process. These individuals have previously participated in negotiations between the two sides.
According to the report, the main U.S. conditions for any agreement include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a complete halt to uranium enrichment, limiting Iran’s missile program, and imposing strict international oversight on Iran’s nuclear activities. It has also been proposed that Iran dismantle damaged reactors at facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow—key sites in the country’s nuclear program—and commit to regional arms control agreements.
In contrast, Iran’s regime has called for an immediate ceasefire, guarantees to prevent a recurrence of conflict, and compensation. However, reports indicate that no direct contact has yet been established between Tehran and Washington, and mediating countries such as Egypt, Qatar, and the United Kingdom are attempting to facilitate the process.
In a rare move, Saudi Arabia declared four diplomats of Iran’s regime, including a military attaché, persona non grata and gave them 24 hours to leave the country. This decision followed recent attacks on energy facilities and U.S. military bases on Saudi soil.
A British maritime monitoring organization has reported an explosion near a cargo ship in the waters of the United Arab Emirates. The incident, which occurred near Sharjah, caused no casualties but has increased concerns about maritime security in the region.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia announced that three ballistic missiles were launched toward Riyadh; one was intercepted, and the other two fell in uninhabited areas. Additionally, five attacking drones were destroyed by the country’s defense systems. In another development, a Qatari military helicopter crashed in regional waters, and search operations for its occupants are ongoing.
Inside Iran, numerous reports have emerged of explosions in various cities. Tehran, Karaj (near the capital), Shiraz in the south, Ahvaz in Khuzestan province, and several other cities have witnessed attacks and explosions which, according to local sources, occurred in some non-residential areas. However, in certain regions such as Ramsar (a city on the Caspian Sea coast) and Gilan province in northern Iran, there have also been reports of casualties.
In Khuzestan province, several explosions have also been reported, which local officials say mostly occurred in uninhabited areas. At the same time, there are reports of damage to some buildings in Andimeshk and other locations. Attacks have also been reported in Yazd and Kerman provinces, targeting areas outside urban centers.
Despite the scale of these reports, widespread internet shutdowns in Iran have made access to independent information and verification of news extremely difficult. Many reports on social media have not yet been independently confirmed, and official sources are providing limited information.
In response to U.S. threats, the spokesperson for the foreign ministry of Iran’s regime stated that expecting restraint from a country under attack is meaningless. Military officials also warned that if Iran’s energy infrastructure is targeted, U.S. interests and facilities, along with those of its allies in the region, will be subjected to retaliatory attacks.
