Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said US threats to strike the country’s energy infrastructure reflect “desperation,” warning of a decisive response as tensions escalate over the Strait of Hormuz.

His remarks came after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could target Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not “fully open, without threat, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 hours.”

“The illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation,” Pezeshkian wrote on X.

He said such threats would only strengthen national unity and resolve.

“The Strait of Hormuz is open to all except those who violate our soil. We firmly confront delirious threats on the battlefield,” he emphasised.

The exchange comes amid intensifying rhetoric and military pressure in the region, with Washington pushing to reopen the strategic waterway, a critical route for global oil supplies.

Since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, Tehran has restricted tanker traffic linked to its adversaries, disrupting shipments and driving up global energy prices.

Trump, reacting to media reports, claimed the US had “blown Iran off of the map” and achieved its objectives “weeks ahead of schedule.”

He has also proposed naval escorts for tankers and sought allied support to secure the strait, though most partners have not committed forces.

Iranian officials have echoed Pezeshkian’s warning.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Tehran would “irreversibly” destroy key energy infrastructure in the region if US strikes target Iranian facilities.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned of “immediate punitive” measures in response to any attack, while the Intelligence Service of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said critical technology centres beyond the region could be targeted within 48 hours.