Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a stark warning Sunday that attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure could trigger catastrophic regional consequences, including the destruction of oil facilities across West Asia and sustained spikes in global oil prices. The warning comes after former US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iranian power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened within 48 hours.
"Targeting Iran's vital infrastructure will make all regional energy facilities legitimate military targets," Ghalibaf stated on social media platform X, emphasizing the potential for "irreversible damage" to the region's economic stability. His statement followed similar warnings from Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which vowed retaliatory strikes on US and Israeli infrastructure if attacks occur.
The escalating conflict has already claimed numerous high-profile casualties, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and ex-security chief Ali Larijani, who predicted regional blackouts from infrastructure attacks before his death in US-Israeli strikes earlier this month. Since late February, Iran has conducted 73 waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli cities and US bases across the Middle East, with Sunday's attacks reportedly causing over 200 casualties.
As tensions reach new heights, energy markets remain volatile with Brent crude prices fluctuating 8% this week. Regional analysts warn the situation could destabilize global supply chains if key shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz become battlegrounds.
