Iran’s key water and power systems have endured major destruction from American and Israeli military actions, the country’s energy minister announced on Sunday.
Israeli and American forces carried out airstrikes against Iran on February 28, eliminating the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader and triggering a broader regional conflict that has since expanded throughout the Middle East.
“The country’s vital water and electricity infrastructure has suffered heavy damage following terrorist and cyberattacks by the United States and the Zionist regime,” said Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi, according to ISNA news agency.
“The attacks targeted dozens of water transmission and treatment facilities and destroyed parts of critical water supply networks,” he noted, adding that efforts were underway to repair the damage.
Earlier that same day, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning that Iran’s power plants would come under direct attack unless the vital Strait of Hormuz is reopened within the next 48 hours.
Shipping through the strategic waterway—which normally carries 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas—has ground to a virtual halt since the outbreak of hostilities.
Iranian forces have struck several vessels in the area, claiming the ships disregarded repeated warnings against navigating the passage.
In the past few days, authorities in Tehran have permitted vessels from nations considered friendly to proceed, while vowing to continue blocking ships linked to countries that have sided with the “aggression” against Iran.
In direct reply to Trump’s ultimatum, Iranian officials have promised retaliation by striking energy facilities and desalination plants throughout the wider region.
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