Iran Threatens to Completely Close the Strait of Hormuz if US Hits Power Plants Live Updates (March 23, 2026)

Iran’s military says it will shut the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil chokepoint, if the United States follows through on threats to strike Iranian power plants. The warning, delivered by Khatam al‑Anbiya central command spokespersons, ties the waterway’s fate directly to any attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure, escalating an already volatile US‑Iran standoff that also involves Israel.

What Tehran actually said

• Full closure until rebuilds are done: Iran will “completely close” the strait and keep it shut until damaged power facilities are reconstructed.
• Wider retaliation list: The response plan also flags strikes on Israeli power/energy and communications networks, targeting regional firms with American shareholders, and treating power plants in countries hosting US bases as legitimate targets.

Why the Strait of Hormuz matters

Roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and a major share of LNG move through this narrow corridor between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Even a partial disruption has historically spiked energy prices and insurance premiums. Al Arabiya’s BREAKING graphic framed the same threat as a direct lever on global energy markets.

The context behind the threat

The warning follows a 48‑hour ultimatum linked to former President Donald Trump’s remarks about obliterating Iranian power plants if the strait isn’t reopened. Iranian officials have also told the International Maritime Organisation that the strait remains open to all vessels except those belonging to Tehran’s enemies, signalling selective pressure on US‑, Israeli‑, and allied shipping.

What happens next

• Selective passage, not a formal blockade: Tehran has previously allowed tankers flagged to China, Pakistan, and Turkey while warning off US/Israeli‑linked vessels.
• Economic choke rather than just military: The fact that closure has been driven as much by war‑risk insurance (premiums jumping to 10%+ of hull value) as by missiles and drones.
• Live updates: Expect rolling developments as Washington, Gulf states, and insurers respond.

Bottom line: Iran is using the Strait of Hormuz as its main bargaining chip, leveraging maritime access to safeguard its power grid. If US strikes hit Iranian energy sites, Tehran says the strait shuts, with knock‑on threats to Israeli infrastructure and US‑linked assets across the region.