In a recent escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened within 48 hours.

This comes despite his earlier statements about “winding down” the war, which has now entered its fourth week. Some believe Iran may cave, while Amrita Sen, founder of Energy Aspects, warns that Trump’s attempts to escalate could lead to damage to Gulf infrastructure.

Iran retaliated for infrastructure assaults by attacking ports and refineries in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar. The closing of Hormuz cost the world 440 million barrels, or four days, of global supplies in the 22 days of conflict.

Iran has not attacked huge desalination projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which supply water to millions.
The Atlantic Council warns that extensive damage to Gulf facilities could render towns uninhabitable within weeks, leading to widespread evacuations and power outages.

International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol estimates that restoring Middle East Gulf supplies could take up to six months, as reported by the Financial Times on Friday.

The Trump administration may invade or blockade Iran’s Kharg Island to force reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Axios on Friday.