Iran on Monday warned it could deploy naval mines in the Gulf and target regional power plants, defying US President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The threat comes amid warnings of an energy crisis potentially worse than the combined 1970s oil shocks if the US-Israeli conflict with Iran continues.
Despite a 2344 GMT deadline to reopen the strait or face Trump’s threat to “obliterate” Iranian power plants, Tehran showed no signs of compliance.
Instead, it threatened to lay drifting mines along its coasts and islands—a tactic used during its 1980s war with Iraq—and released maps marking energy targets across Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. One infographic warned, “Say goodbye to electricity!”
Israel launched fresh strikes on Tehran early Monday, with explosions and plumes of black smoke reported.
Iran has retaliated by restricting Hormuz traffic, targeting energy sites, and striking US and Israeli positions.
The International Energy Agency warned daily oil losses could create a global crisis surpassing the 1970s oil shocks and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
China capped domestic fuel price increases to curb the crisis, while Greece and Cambodia introduced measures to limit economic fallout.
Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry and Russia called for diplomatic solutions to avoid escalation.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled a long-term campaign against Iran, with expanded operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, where over 1,000 people have died and more than a million displaced.
In Israel, Iranian missiles struck southern towns including Dimona, near its alleged nuclear facility.
At least 3,230 deaths have been reported in Iran, including 1,406 civilians, according to US-based monitors, though independent verification is limited.