Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Iran’s power plants if Strait of Hormuz not open in 48 hours

Iran has effectively closed the strait since the start of the war, halting global shipping and roiling the oil trade.

Trump had previously worked to reopen it himself, vowing Navy escorts for ships and trying to attract other countries to form a coalition for security and defense of the key waterway.

But that effort saw tepid responses from allies, some of whom are against the war entirely. Trump also seemingly abandoned the coalition effort himself, saying on Friday night that it would be up to unspecified “other Nations who use it” to secure the strait. The U.S. would instead only help “if asked.”

The president’s threat ultimately signals he is ready to apply military pressure on Tehran instead.

In terms of what Trump could target should Tehran refuse to bend, the largest power plant in Iran by capacity is the Damavand Combined Cycle Power Plant, located just outside Tehran. Other notable facilities include the Shahid Salimi Combined Cycle Power Plant, located along the Caspian Sea, and the Shahid Rajaee Thermal Power Plant, near the city of Qazvin.

G7 ‘READY’ TO PROTECT ENERGY SUPPLY AMID IRAN’S HORMUZ CHOKEHOLD

This is a breaking news story.