Iran threatens energy shock, ups Gulf strikes ahead of Trump deadline: What to know
Majid Mousavi, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, declared the start of a “new phase” of the war in response to US threats to target key Iranian civilian infrastructure.
Iranian officials on Tuesday ordered new strikes against Israel and targets in the Gulf and urged citizens to protect critical infrastructure, as Tehran braced for potentially stronger US military action ahead of President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials escalated their rhetoric throughout the day. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran would “harness all its capacities and capabilities” to defend its rights and interests, while Brig. Gen. Majid Mousavi, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, declared the start of a “new phase” of the war.
Trump has given Iran until 8:00 p.m. ET to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face intensified strikes. He warned Sunday that bridges and power plants could be targeted. Iran, which has restricted most shipping through the waterway — normally carrying about 20% of global oil exports — since the war began, issued new threats Tuesday if the US crosses its designated “red lines.”
In an apparent bid to up the pressure, the US struck Iran’s Kharg Island on Tuesday, where 90% of its oil exports are processed, though reports suggest the targets were military sites. Trump wrote on Truth Social the same day that “a whole civilization will die tonight.”
