- Iran intensified its threats towards its Gulf neighbours last week, conveying messages that it would "black out" the entire region if the United States struck its power plants and rattling off a list of specific targets, two officials told AFP.
- Trump threatened a massive attack against Iran, which he later walked back over the weekend citing requests from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar and hope for a breakthrough in talks.
- Iran conveyed through intermediaries that any attacks on its power plants would trigger strikes on the same targets in the Gulf, the officials said.
- Saudi Arabia announced that Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman had spoken to the US leader in a call aimed at reducing regional tensions.
- In mid-July, Trump threatened to destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant for every attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran warning of an "eye for an eye" response.
- Iran's message included a long list of targets they would attack, which the Gulf official noted was very serious.
- The Gulf official said Iran's message indicated it would hit power plants and water desalination facilities, which the mostly desert region largely relies on for drinking water.
Iran has escalated its threats against Gulf nations, warning it would 'black out' the region if the US strikes its power plants. This warning follows President Trump's retraction of planned military action against Iran, which he initially described as potentially the "biggest attack since World War II."
Iran's threats were conveyed through intermediaries, indicating that any US attack would lead to retaliatory strikes on Gulf infrastructure, including power plants and water desalination facilities, crucial for the region's water supply.
“Iran threatened to black out the Gulf, country by country, if Trump attacked its power plants,” a Gulf official stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the threats, which included a detailed list of potential targets.
The situation intensified after Trump received requests from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar to de-escalate tensions, leading to a phone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman aimed at reducing regional hostilities.
The Gulf has been a focal point of Iran's military strategy, with previous attacks targeting US assets and civilian infrastructure. Despite a ceasefire agreement earlier this year, hostilities have surged, particularly affecting Kuwait and Bahrain.
As the region braces for potential conflict, the implications of Iran's threats could have far-reaching consequences for Gulf security and US foreign policy in the Middle East.
“Iran's warning included a 'long list of targets' including power plants and water desalination facilities, which the desert region relies on for drinking water. Trump had called the planned strikes 'the biggest attack since World War II' before backing off.”
