Amidst the rapidly escalating Middle East conflict in late March 2026, Iran has officially issued a “zero-tolerance” threat against critical energy infrastructure in Gulf countries. According to sources from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Fars news agency, Tehran declared it would attack power plants, including the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant – one of the region’s largest civilian nuclear facilities – if the US carries out its threat to attack Iranian power plants.

The Hormuz Strait “Time Bomb” Context
The situation stems from Iran’s declaration to completely close the Strait of Hormuz – a strategic waterway carrying one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas. US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum: “If Iran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz without threat, the United States will destroy its power plants, starting with the largest one.”

Iran immediately retaliated by publicly releasing a list of retaliatory targets, including:

The Barakah nuclear power plant (UAE) with its four operational reactors.

Desalination plants that supply drinking water to millions of people in Gulf countries.

The energy systems and electrical infrastructure of US bases in the region.

Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaqari ᴀsserted: “If Iran’s energy facilities are attacked, all energy infrastructure, information technology, and desalination plants belonging to the US and its allies in the region will become legitimate targets.”

The UAE and Gulf States are “sitting on a powder keg.”
The Barakah nuclear power plant is located in the desert west of Abu Dhabi, not far from the Saudi Arabian border. It is the UAE’s first civilian nuclear project, built by South Korea, with a capacity of 5,600 MW, currently supplying about 25% of the nation’s electricity needs. An attack on it would not only cause a potential radioactive disaster but could also bring down the entire Gulf power grid, leading to widespread power outages and a clean water crisis.

Analysts warn that this is the most dangerous escalation since the conflict began. If Iran carries out its threat, the consequences would not be limited to the UAE but would spread to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman – countries all heavily reliant on the interconnected energy infrastructure.
Trump “Extends ᴅᴇᴀᴅline” but “War Drums Still Sound”

Following the initial ultimatum, President Trump extended negotiations by five days, declaring “very good progress” in indirect talks with Iran. However, the IRGC maintained its hardline stance, stating it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until “Iran’s destroyed power plants are rebuilt.”
International observers fear that even a small mistake could turn the Strait of Hormuz into a “fire hell,” driving crude oil prices to record highs and causing global economic chaos.