Tensions reached a boiling point on Tuesday as a high-ranking Iranian official warned that any U.S. strike on Iran’s power grid would plunge the entire Middle East into "total darkness." The threat comes in direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s ultimatum, in which he warned of the "end of Iranian civilization" if a deal is not reached by tonight.
The "Blackout" Warning
A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Tehran has conveyed a clear message to Washington through Qatari mediators: an attack on Iranian infrastructure will not be contained within its borders. "If America attacks our power plants, the entire region will face a dark blackout," the source stated, emphasizing that Iran's retaliatory capacity extends to regional energy stability.
Refusal to Negotiate Under Pressure
The Iranian leadership remains defiant, explicitly rejecting negotiations while under the threat of force. "There will be no negotiations with an America that wants Iran to succumb to pressure," the official added. This statement follows President Trump's demand for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime chokepoint that Iran has restricted.
Escalation Beyond Hormuz
In a significant expansion of the potential conflict zone, the Iranian source warned that if the situation spirals out of control, Iran’s regional allies are prepared to shut down the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This would effectively cripple global shipping routes in both the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
While Pakistan reportedly continues to shuttle messages between the two nations, Iranian officials claim the United States has shown no sign of softening its tone. "We will show flexibility only when we see flexibility from the American side," the source concluded, dismissing U.S. demands as "empty promises."
As the deadline set by the White House approaches, global markets and international observers remain on high alert for a potential military confrontation that could redefine regional security.
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