Iran Warns: If Power Plants Are Attacked, Will Destroy All US-Held Companies in the Middle East; Netanyahu: Fighting for America as the World, Hopes Other Countries Will Join

On the early morning of the 23rd local time, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran issued a statement saying that Iran launched the 75th round of “Real Commitment-4” military operations, targeting Israeli military bases recently discovered by Iran’s intelligence agencies and U.S. military facilities at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Trump claims the United States has completely erased Iran from the map.

According to CCTV News, on the evening of the 22nd local time, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi posted on social media, stating, “Attempting to ‘erase Iran from the map’ is a desperate trampling of the will of a nation that has made history. Threats and intimidation will only strengthen Iran’s unity. The Strait of Hormuz is open to all, except those who violate Iran’s territory. Iran will resolutely oppose these reckless threats on the battlefield.”

On the 21st Eastern Time, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media, saying, “The United States has completely erased Iran from the map.”

Iran proposes four “punitive” measures

In response to “Trump’s demand that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face attacks on various power plants and their destruction,” on the 22nd local time, Iran’s armed forces issued a statement saying that if U.S. President Trump carries out threats to attack Iranian power plants, Iran will immediately implement four “punitive” measures, including full closure of the Strait of Hormuz:

• Complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz until Iran’s damaged power facilities are fully reconstructed;
• Widespread strikes against all Israeli power facilities, energy, and communication infrastructure;
• Total destruction of all U.S.-owned companies in the Middle East;
• Power generation facilities in any country within the region that hosts U.S. military bases will become legitimate targets for attack.

The statement emphasized that Iran has repeatedly declared that the Strait of Hormuz is only closed to enemies and “harmful passage,” and has not been fully blocked. It is currently under Iran’s “smart control.” “Within a specific framework of rules, harmless passage continues to be guaranteed under the conditions that ensure our security and interests.”

The statement said: “If our power facilities are damaged by the enemy, we will defend national interests at all costs and initiate an ongoing, relentless destruction process against these targets.”

Iran: US and Israel attack

Creating a dangerous situation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz

On March 22, local time, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, affirming that Iran has long been committed to maintaining shipping safety in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman. Since February 28, the military strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran have created a dangerous situation in the Persian Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, directly affecting navigation and shipping safety.

△ Strait of Hormuz (photo)

The statement said that the military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran violate the principles of the UN Charter and international law. To exercise its legitimate right to self-defense, Iran has taken necessary measures beyond striking U.S. military facilities in the region to prevent relevant countries from using the Strait of Hormuz to carry out actions against Iran.

The statement emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is not currently closed, and maritime traffic continues to operate. However, ships and equipment belonging to the U.S., Israel, and other parties involved in military actions against Iran are considered “harmful passage,” and Iran will handle them according to relevant measures. Ships from other countries and regions that do not participate in or cooperate with aggression against Iran, and that follow the announced security protocols and coordinate with Iranian authorities, can pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement said that the responsibility for the chaos and increased danger in the security of the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding areas lies with the U.S. and Israel. The security arrangements in the Persian Gulf and related waters should fully respect Iran’s legitimate rights. The statement pointed out that the long-term stability of the region depends on halting military actions and external interference.

Netanyahu: The US is fighting for the world

“President Trump knows very well what he is doing”

On March 22, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in the southern city of Ashkelon hit by Iranian missiles, explained to the media from four aspects the so-called “Iran threatening the whole world,” and claimed that “Israel and the United States are working together for the whole world, hoping other countries will join in.”

Netanyahu said that Israel “is actively pursuing the leaders of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, attacking their facilities and economic assets.” He stated that Israel has set two “clear goals”: “completely destroying Iran’s nuclear and missile programs” and “creating conditions for regime change in Iran.”

When asked about the threat from U.S. President Trump on March 21, Eastern Time, that if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, the U.S. will attack Iran’s power grid system, Netanyahu said he believes that “President Trump knows very well what he is doing,” and that “any actions taken are done jointly with the U.S., and kept as secret as possible.”

On the evening of March 21, the southern Israeli cities of Dimona and Ashkelon were hit by Iranian missiles, resulting in 175 injuries, including 10 serious cases.

Saudi Arabia reportedly trying to prevent

Houthi rebels in Yemen join Iran’s conflict

According to U.S. sources on the 21st, Saudi Arabia is trying to prevent Houthi rebels in Yemen from joining the conflict between Iran, the U.S., and Israel.

An anonymous U.S. official said that Saudi Arabia is making efforts to prevent the Houthis from entering the conflict and supporting Iran. It is also reported that the U.S. and Israel are trying to avoid provocations that could trigger Houthi responses.

After the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran in late February, the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen announced its “full support” for Iran and said it is prepared to act when “the situation requires.”

Houthi political bureau member Muhammad Bukhaiti said on the 20th that, to support Iran, the group might block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Bukhaiti stated that the Houthis are considering all possible options to support Iran in resisting U.S. and Israeli military strikes. If the Bab el-Mandeb Strait must be closed, the Houthis will only attack ships involved in attacks on Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and is a crucial “waterway” linking the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean, often called the “throat” of the region, and the “water corridor” connecting Eurasia and Africa.

Iran’s Vice President: Iran’s energy and basic supplies are currently stable

On the 22nd local time, Iran’s First Vice President Amir-Abdollahian issued a statement saying that Iran’s energy and basic supplies are currently stable, with sufficient national reserves. The government has formulated plans to ensure normal daily life for the people. He stated that the power grid, banking services, and payment systems are operating stably, and public services continue to function. The government is fully prepared to respond to the current situation and meet the needs of the people.

Abdollahian called on the public to maintain national unity and social stability and resilience.

Iranian Parliament Speaker: Financial institutions funding U.S. military actions are legitimate targets

On the 22nd local time, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted on social media that, besides U.S. military bases, financial institutions that support U.S. military expenses are also legitimate targets for Iran’s strikes.

Ghalibaf said that Iran is monitoring the flow of relevant financial assets and issued a “final warning.”

Since the conflict began, approximately 210 children have died in Iran

On March 22, local time, Iran’s health officials stated that about 210 children have died since the conflict started. So far, more than 1,510 minors have been injured. Additionally, about 300 medical and emergency facilities have been damaged, and around 30 ambulances are no longer operational.

Iran arrests 25 individuals suspected of sabotage activities

On the 22nd, Iran’s intelligence agency issued a statement saying that it had conducted operations across the country and arrested 25 individuals suspected of sabotage activities.

The statement said that 23 of them are suspected of transmitting information about military facilities and security forces to foreign media organizations. The suspects are also accused of planning actions against security agencies and attempting to acquire weapons and equipment, but they were identified and detained before carrying out their plans.

The statement also mentioned that during the operations, a certain amount of ammunition, cold weapons, and other related items were seized.

Israel: Conflict with Iran and Hezbollah expected to last several weeks

On the 22nd, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Duvdevani stated that Israel expects its conflict with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon to last several weeks.

U.S. State Department advises Americans worldwide to stay alert

On the 22nd, the U.S. State Department issued a warning, advising U.S. citizens worldwide, especially those in the Middle East, to remain vigilant.

The warning states that Americans abroad should follow safety alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Periodic airspace closures may disrupt travel. U.S. diplomatic facilities outside the Middle East have also become targets for attacks. Groups supporting Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or attack locations related to the U.S. and U.S. citizens worldwide.