Iran Threatens Regional Infrastructure as U.S. Escalates Efforts to Reopen Strait

As the conflict enters its third week, Iran has intensified its rhetoric, orating that any strikes against its civil infrastructure—including power grids, desalination plants, and IT networks—will result in retaliatory attacks against equivalent U.S. and allied assets across the Middle East. Military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaqari stated that the Revolutionary Guards will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until Iranian power plants damaged in the conflict are fully rebuilt, although Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has officially denied a formal closure, blaming shipping delays on insurance concerns. On the diplomatic front, French President Emmanuel Macron held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, urging a cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure. This European-led initiative signals an effort to leverage Gulf influence to stabilize global energy markets and restore freedom of navigation through the Strait, which typically handles 20% of the world's oil and LNG supply. The military situation remains volatile as U.S. warplanes and helicopters conduct high-intensity operations against Iranian naval vessels and coastal assets. Concurrently, Iranian missile barrages struck southern Israel overnight, causing injuries in Arad and Dimona, while Israeli forces continued targeted airstrikes against Iranian nuclear and missile facilities.