Wetin dey happen for Middle East don reach another level as US President Donald Trump dey threaten Iran with serious action. The man talk say Tuesday go be “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran.” This threat come after Trump give Iran deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday 8pm Eastern Time.
The Strait of Hormuz na important waterway wey carry plenty oil from the Gulf countries. Since war start between US, Israel and Iran for February, Iran don close the strait partially. Traffic don drop by 90 percent according to Iran’s Fars News Agency. Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, deputy for communications at Iranian president office, talk say Iran go only open the strait after dem pay reparations for war damages.
Meanwhile, US don rescue one wounded airman wey dey inside Iran. The weapon systems officer survive by hiding for mountains with beacon signal and handgun as Iranian forces dey hunt am. Trump announce say dem rescue the “seriously wounded, and really brave, F-15 Crew Member/Officer, from deep inside the mountains of Iran.” The rescue mission involve special forces and Israel provide intelligence support according to reports.
But the rescue no go smoothly. US forces destroy two of their own transport planes wey develop technical problem during the mission. Iran claim say dem shoot down four US aircraft during the operation – two C-130 refuelling plane and two Black Hawk helicopters. US officials deny say Iran shoot down any plane, dem talk say na technical problem cause the destruction.
Trump go hold news conference with military officials on Monday at 1pm ET to give details about the rescue. The White House post for X say: “President Donald J. Trump joins the military in the Oval Office for a news conference. American strength. Full display.”
For the diplomatic side, US, Iran and regional mediators dey discuss potential 45-day ceasefire. But reports talk say chances of agreement for next 48 hours dey “slim.” Oman Foreign Ministry talk say deputy foreign ministers from both countries meet to discuss “visions and proposals” to ensure “smooth transit” through Strait of Hormuz.
Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov talk say US suppose abandon “the language of ultimatums” and return to negotiations. Lavrov and Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi agree say attacks on civilian infrastructure like Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant must stop. Russia don start evacuate their 198 workers from Bushehr plant after US-Israeli projectile hit near the facility.
Iran launch fresh attacks across Middle East on Monday. Israel, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates report barrage of missile and drone strikes. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash warn Iran say targeting Arab neighbors “will actually concretize the American role.” Israel army talk say dem complete “wave of strikes” on targets in Tehran.
For Iran capital, young people dey fly kites and hold picnic for park despite Trump threats. But Iranian media report attacks on residential areas for Tehran Monday, and state broadcaster talk say gas outages hit parts of capital after strike on university.
Trump threats don receive criticism from different quarters. Former Trump supporter Marjorie Taylor Greene talk say Trump actions na “madness” and say threatening to bomb power plants and bridges go hurt Iranian people. Amnesty International secretary-general Agnes Callamard talk say “Iranian civilians will be the first to suffer from the destruction of power plants and bridges.”
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine call on Trump and top officials to dial down their rhetoric. Kaine talk say: “This kind of rhetoric is really dangerous. That really encourages them to mistreat our folks.” Piers Morgan post for X say Trump comments dey “embarrassing” and talk say: “Delete it, President – unless you want everyone to think you’ve lost your marbles.”
Israel Prime Minister talk say he speak with Trump to “personally congratulated him on his bold decision and a perfectly executed American mission” to rescue the downed pilot. The Prime Minister add say: “The President expressed his appreciation for Israel’s help. Israel could contribute to saving a brave American warrior.”
For other news, Pope Leo celebrate his first Easter Mass as pontiff with call to exercise hope against “the violence of war that kills and destroys.” The Pope talk say: “we need this song of hope today” as conflicts spread around the world.
War don affect oil prices. Oil open higher for early trading in Asia, with US benchmark West Texas Intermediate up 1.86 percent to $113.62 a barrel and Brent above $110. Security analyst Danny Citrinowicz talk say “the prospect of a negotiated agreement with Iran, at least under current conditions, is close to nonexistent.”
Iran parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf post for social media say “our whole region is going to burn because you insist on following Netanyahu‘s commands.” Iran central military command warn of “much more devastating” retaliation if adversaries hit civilian targets.
For Lebanon, UN peacekeepers warn say attacks by Israel and Hezbollah near their positions “could potentially draw return fire.” Israel army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visit southern Lebanon and pledge to intensify strikes against Hezbollah.
Trump previous threats to strike Iran power plants include important facilities like Damavand combined-cycle power plant near Tehran with capacity of 2,868 megawatts. Other key plants na Shahid Salimi power plant in Neka, Ramin power plant in Ahvaz, Bandar Abbas power plant, and Bushehr nuclear power plant.
Technical experts talk say if large power plant like Damavand get strike, Iran energy system go lose around 2,500 megawatts of production capacity. This fit trigger domino effect involving Tehran, Alborz, Qom, Semnan, Qazvin and parts of Mazandaran province. Some estimates talk say up to 30 percent of electricity for capital fit disappear.
The consequences of large-scale blackout go affect hospitals, urban transport systems, metro networks, water pumping systems, elevators and fuel stations. Many hospitals rely on emergency generators wey fit work only for limited periods.
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