Iran’s military command warned on Saturday that any regional nation acting as a defensive shield for the United States will burn in the fire of war, as Washington and Tehran trade escalating threats over critical energy infrastructure. Major General Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran’s wartime military command, stated that the United States is accelerating toward a full-scale regional conflict by using neighboring capitals and resources to strengthen Israel’s war machine, according to state-linked reporting.
US and Israeli Plans Against Iranian Energy Infrastructure
The stark warning follows reports from major US media outlets indicating that Washington and Israel may imminently launch an extensive wave of attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran, including power plants and petrochemical manufacturers. President Donald Trump has not yet given final authorization for an operation that could last up to two weeks, aiming to cut electricity across Tehran and disrupt services nationwide, according to unnamed sources cited in those reports.
Weighing the military capacity for such operations, the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies reported that US air defenses have performed largely well, but persistent combat has depleted interceptor inventories. According to the think tank, Patriot missile inventories have dropped below 1,000, while THAAD interceptors sit at about 250.
Did you know? According to data from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, sustained regional missile exchanges have heavily drained US military stockpiles, leaving Patriot missile inventories under 1,000 and THAAD interceptors at approximately 250.
Regional Stance and Contrasting Energy Strike Policies
While Israeli officials have openly pushed for aggressive action, strategic caution remains a point of friction between allies. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Tuesday at a security conference broadcast by Channel 14 that his government wants to strike Iran’s energy targets and set the country back 40 years. However, Katz noted that the United States is withholding approval due to fears of an Iranian counterstrike on neighboring countries and a resulting global oil crisis.
In response to ongoing bombing campaigns that have targeted military bases and civilian infrastructure since February 28, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular Iranian army have launched retaliatory ballistic missiles and drones. According to regional reports, these strikes have hit energy infrastructure not only in Israel but also in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
Strait of Hormuz Blockade and Economic Fallout
Iran continues to leverage control over the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining a naval blockade that has severely restricted maritime traffic. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, warned on Saturday that continued US military strikes and naval blockades will cause the global economy, the US energy market, and American voters to pay the price.
Western maritime authorities reported that at least two vessels were hit off the coast of Oman, with one suffering significant damage to its engine room. Iranian state media broadcast footage near the struck ship, warning other vessels against trusting US promises of safe passage through the southern corridor. Iran stated that four other ships were turned back, leaving the vital waterway closed to all traffic unapproved by the IRGC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are US and Israeli forces reportedly targeting Iranian energy infrastructure?
Major US media outlets report that planned operations aim to cut electricity in Tehran and disrupt petrochemical manufacturing across Iran, though President Donald Trump has not yet given final authorization, according to unnamed sources.
What is the status of the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to unapproved traffic due to an Iranian naval blockade, which Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr defended as strategic leverage against the ongoing US offensive.
How have neighboring countries been affected by the conflict?
Regional nations have experienced direct impacts, including intercepted drones over Kuwait that damaged government facilities, damaged vessels off the coast of Oman, and energy infrastructure strikes across the Persian Gulf.
What are Iran’s conditions for future negotiations?
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it has not sent formal requests for negotiations to Washington, but parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf signaled a need to reach a resolved outcome that solidifies military gains achieved during the conflict.
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