Iran-Israel war LIVE: Trump threatens Iran with power plant strikes over Hormuz blockade
The Hindu
Iran-Israel war: Follow the latest updates from The Hindu on the West Asia war, on March 22, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 21, 2026) threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, a dramatic escalation that came barely a day after he talked about “winding down” the war.
Also Read | South Pars: Same field, two fates
“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Mr. Trump said on social media.
Also Read | U.S. says ‘took out’ Iran base threatening blocked Strait of Hormuz oil route
The threat landed as the conflict entered dangerous new territory.
Israeli officials said that Iranian forces had for the first time fired long-range missiles, expanding the risk of attacks beyond West Asia, even as an Iranian strike injured dozens of people not far from Israel’s nuclear site.
Ukraine launches over 280 drones at Russia in a significant escalation, prompting defensive actions and reports of damage.
A fire at a South Korea car plant killed 10, injured 59, and left four missing; rescue operations ongoing.
Trump considers winding down military operations in Iran, rejecting a ceasefire amid escalating tensions and regional conflict.
BTS returns with a massive concert in Seoul, attracting 260,000 fans and streaming live on Netflix.
U.S. airport delays are expected to worsen as TSA staffing issues persist amid an ongoing government shutdown.
Iran-Israel war: Follow the latest updates from The Hindu on the West Asia war, on March 21, 2026
A federal judge blocks the Pentagon's restrictive press access policy, emphasizing the public's right to diverse information.
UK approves US strikes from British bases on Iran missile sites, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to avoid war.
Czech authorities investigate a suspected arson at a drone technology warehouse linked to anti-Israel group claims.
Ayatollah Khamenei claims Iran has struck a significant blow against enemies amid escalating tensions and ongoing conflict with Israel.
Trump labels NATO allies "cowards" for not supporting the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, criticizing their inaction amid rising oil prices.
Iran warns that global tourist sites are unsafe for Israeli and U.S. officials, while continuing missile development amid ongoing conflict.
Explore how U.S. and Israeli assassinations have transformed Iranian leaders into martyrs, reinforcing a culture of sacrifice and defiance.