Deadline for Trump's ultimatum nears as Iran vows retaliation if power plants destroyed

WASHINGTON: As the deadline for US President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran approaches, Tehran has vowed to retaliate if its power plants are targeted, even as more than three weeks of heavy US and Israeli bombardment have failed to break Iran's capacity to strike back.

Trump's ultimatum and escalating tensions

The United States has been engaged in an intensive military campaign against Iran for over three weeks, with Israeli forces joining the bombardment. Despite the sustained assault, Tehran has continued to demonstrate its ability to mount retaliatory strikes, signalling that the Islamic Republic's military infrastructure remains at least partially intact.

President Trump had issued an ultimatum to Iran, the deadline for which is now fast approaching. The ultimatum has heightened tensions in an already volatile region, with both sides appearing to dig in for a prolonged confrontation.

Iran's warning over power plants

Iranian officials have issued a stern warning that any attack on the country's power plants would be met with retaliation. The threat underscores the seriousness with which Tehran views the potential targeting of its civilian energy infrastructure, which it considers a red line.

The warning comes at a critical juncture as the deadline set by the US president draws near, raising questions about whether diplomatic channels can prevent a further escalation of hostilities between Washington and Tehran.

Continued Iranian strikes

Despite the sustained bombing campaign by the US and Israel, Iran has shown resilience and continued its ability to strike back. The ongoing exchanges of fire have raised alarm across the Middle East and beyond, with fears growing that the conflict could spiral into a wider regional conflagration.

The situation remains fluid, with both the United States and Iran showing little inclination to back down from their respective positions. The approaching deadline adds urgency to diplomatic efforts, though the prospects for a peaceful resolution appear uncertain at this stage.

The international community has been closely watching the developments, as the confrontation between the two nations carries significant implications for global energy markets and regional stability in the Middle East.