Trump threatens to ‘blow up’ desalination plants in Iran if no deal reached

Donald Trump threatened to attack Iranian infrastructure, including desalination plants, if a deal isn't reached with a "new regime" to end US military operations in Iran and if the Hormuz Strait isn't open for business. Trump stated the US would obliterate electric plants, oil wells, Kharg Island, and possibly desalination plants. A legal expert stated that targeting civilian sites like desalination plants would constitute "collective punishment," which is prohibited under international law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention. The expert added that deliberately harming an entire civilian population to pressure its government is illegal.

Amidst a month-old war in 2026, the US Department of Defense is reportedly preparing for limited ground operations in Iran, potentially involving raids on Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz. These plans, revealed by unnamed US officials, aim to disrupt Iran's oil exports and cripple global energy markets, which have already seen Brent crude prices surge. President Trump has expressed interest in seizing Iranian oil and Kharg Island. In response, Iran's parliament speaker warned of fierce resistance against any US invasion. The US already had 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers stationed in the Middle East before the war began.

Iranian attacks damaged major aluminium smelters in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain over the weekend, potentially disrupting global aluminium supply. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) reported significant damage, while Aluminium Bahrain assessed damages and employee injuries. The attacks, claimed by Iran's IRGC as retaliation for attacks on Iranian steel plants, targeted facilities representing nearly 4% of global aluminium production capacity. Analysts at China International Capital Corporation (CICC) suggest the disruption could shift more aluminium production to China, both in the short term and potentially for years, due to the time required to repair the damaged facilities. The attacks also raise safety concerns, potentially leading to further output reductions in the Middle East.

Reports indicate the Pentagon is preparing options for potential ground operations in Iran, including special forces raids or infantry deployments. This comes as the US increases its military presence in the Middle East, with an additional 3,500 troops arriving recently, joining the roughly 50,000 already stationed in the region. Potential objectives for military action could include securing the Strait of Hormuz, seizing Iranian uranium, or targeting oil facilities. Lawmakers are debating the necessity and scope of any potential ground involvement, with Senator Lankford emphasizing the need for clear objectives and a defined exit strategy. The White House stated that the Pentagon's preparations are for optionality and do not indicate a presidential decision has been made.

Reports suggest the U.S. government is considering potential ground operations in Iran, possibly targeting nuclear facilities or securing the Strait of Hormuz. These plans, reported by the Washington Post, involve limited raids by Special Operations and conventional forces, not a full-scale invasion. In response, Iran's parliament speaker stated that Iran would never surrender to the U.S. and warned that Iranian forces are prepared to confront American troops. The speaker added that Iran's missile capabilities are in place and their determination has increased. While the White House says the Pentagon is preparing options, no decision has been made by the President. The possibility of U.S. ground operations remains politically sensitive and carries military risks.

Iranian strikes targeted Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) facilities on Saturday, injuring two Alba employees and causing significant damage to EGA's site. The attacks are part of a broader Iranian assault on Gulf economic infrastructure, including oil refineries, ports, and shipping lanes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps claimed responsibility, citing retaliation for attacks on Iranian steel plants with ties to US military and aeronautics firms. The Strait of Hormuz closure, due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, has already disrupted shipments from Gulf aluminium producers, who account for approximately 9% of global supply. Alba operates the world's largest single-site smelter, while EGA is the Middle East's largest aluminium producer.

Iran's IRGC claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on aluminum facilities in Bahrain and the UAE on Saturday. The IRGC stated the attacks targeted sites linked to the US military in retaliation for US-Israeli attacks on Iranian industrial infrastructure. Aluminium Bahrain reported two employees injured, while Emirates Global Aluminium cited significant damage and six injuries at its Abu Dhabi site. A worker in Oman was also injured in a drone attack at Salalah port, leading Maersk to temporarily halt operations there. Oman condemned the attacks on its territory, though no group has claimed responsibility for the Omani attack. The Bahrain and UAE attacks could threaten global aluminum supply, as the region accounts for a significant portion of it.

Recent reports indicate heightened tensions in the Middle East, with explosions reported in Tehran. Yemen's Houthis are reportedly increasing the risk of war with Iran. According to Iranian state media, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the U.S. is secretly planning a ground attack while publicly expressing diplomatic intentions. Ghalibaf, a former IRGC commander, believes Iran is in a major world war and must prepare for a difficult path. The IDF claims to have conducted airstrikes across Tehran, targeting Iranian command centers and weapons sites. A report indicates that US and Israeli airstrikes in Iran between February 28 and March 23 resulted in at least 1,443 civilian deaths, including at least 217 children.

The Pentagon is reportedly preparing plans for weeks of limited ground operations in Iran, potentially including raids on Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz. According to The Washington Post, the plans involve special operations and conventional infantry troops, but fall short of a full-scale invasion. These preparations come as the war in Iran stretches into its fifth week, with the US deploying additional Marines and soldiers to the Middle East, including approximately 3,500 soldiers who recently arrived on the USS Tripoli. Discussions within the administration have considered seizing Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub, and raiding coastal areas to destroy weapons targeting commercial and military shipping. While the Pentagon is preparing options, it remains uncertain whether President Trump will approve any of these plans.