The aftermath of an Iranian missile hit on an Arad apartment building, March 21, 2026 DUBAI : U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to ...
The aftermath of an Iranian missile hit on an Arad apartment building, March 21, 2026
DUBAI : U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz—a vital artery through which one-fifth of the world’s oil supply flows—is reopened for international shipping within 48 hours.
Trump issued the ultimatum via Truth Social, demanding that the strait be fully cleared "from this moment" forward. The post, made at 5:14 AM IST, sets a deadline for Iran that expires Tuesday morning.
"If Iran does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours without threats, the United States will destroy various Iranian power plants. We will start with the largest," Trump stated.
In response to the ultimatum, the Iranian military issued a severe counter-threat. According to AFP, Iran’s 'Khatam al-Anbiya' central headquarters announced that any strike on Iranian energy hubs would result in the destruction of all U.S. and allied IT, energy, and desalination plants across the region.
These dramatic escalations come less than 24 hours after Trump had publicly declared an end to the conflict.
The Global Impact of the Blockade
Iran restricted access to the Strait following a joint U.S.-Israeli operation on February 28. Because roughly 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes through this route, the blockage has caused global oil prices to skyrocket and fueled international inflation. The U.K., France, and Germany have all formally condemned Iran’s actions.
However, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that a quick resolution is unlikely. Experts suggest that due to the presence of sea mines and unexploded ordnance, it could take months for the waterway to be safely cleared.
Targeted Attacks on Nuclear Facilities
The crisis intensified on Saturday when Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility was hit by an airstrike. The Iranian news agency, Mizan, reported the strike but stated that no radiation leaks were detected.
In a massive retaliatory move, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at the Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad, injuring over 100 people. The primary target was the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center in Dimona.
Reports from AFP indicate that missiles struck residential areas, leveling buildings and leaving massive craters. While Israel’s air defense systems were activated, they failed to intercept the heavy ballistic warheads.
Casualty Report:
Arad: 84 injured, 10 in critical condition.
Dimona: 33 injured.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as "a difficult evening," stating that the nation remains committed to retaliating on all fronts. Shortly after his address, the IDF confirmed it had begun conducting strikes on Iranian military assets in the heart of Tehran.
IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed the failure of the interception systems and stated that a high-level investigation is underway.
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