In the night from Saturday to Sunday, Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran, demanding that the Islamic Republic reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
Iran quickly warned that its army would target energy and desalination infrastructures in the region in response.
Trump is putting significant pressure on Iran. The American president issued an ultimatum to Tehran on Saturday night. “If Iran does not FULLY and OPENLY reopen the Strait of Hormuz, WITHOUT ANY THREAT, within 48 HOURS from this precise moment, the United States of America will strike and destroy its various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE LARGEST!” wrote the American president.
In response to Trump’s ultimatum, Iran stated that if the U.S. carries out its threat, the Iranian military will target energy, information technology, and water desalination infrastructures in the region.
As the 23rd day of the war unfolds, triggered on February 28 by the joint offensive of the United States and Israel against Iran, attacks continue in the Middle East. Early on Sunday, the Israeli army reported conducting strikes “at the heart of Tehran,” with explosions also heard in Jerusalem after an Iranian missile alert.
Saturday saw Iran strike a residential area in Dimona, a city housing a strategic nuclear research center in the Negev desert, causing dozens of injuries, including one serious. Tehran then targeted the city of Arad, resulting in 84 injuries, including 10 severe cases.
The start of the fourth week of conflict in the Middle East revealed a shift in attacks towards nuclear facilities. By hitting Dimona, near Israel’s nuclear research center, Iran claimed retaliation for an “enemy” strike against one of its nuclear complexes in Natanz, south of Tehran.
According to the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, there have been no reports of radioactive material leakage from the bombed site in Dimona. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no abnormal radiation levels were detected. However, Rafael Grossi, the IAEA director, urged maximum military restraint to avoid any nuclear accidents.
