Iran says ready for worst-case scenarios, urges calm over power fears

Iranian authorities moved Tuesday to calm public anxiety over potential power disruptions, with the Energy Ministry stating that the country is fully prepared for worst-case scenarios. In a statement, the ministry emphasized that Iran’s power grid is decentralized and urged citizens not to pay attention to rumors about extended blackouts. The reassurance comes as US President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy “every bridge and power plant in Iran” if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to a deal by Tuesday night.

Vice president: ‘No threat exceeds our preparedness’

First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref also sought to reassure the public, posting on X that national security and infrastructure stability are being managed with “precise calculations.” He said the government has finalized measures for all possible scenarios, adding that “no threat exceeds Iran’s level of preparedness.” Aref urged citizens to remain calm despite the escalating rhetoric from Washington. Trump has set a deadline of 8 p.m. Eastern Time Tuesday (0000GMT Wednesday) for Tehran to comply with US demands.

Widespread conflict continues

Regional escalations have continued unabated since Israel and the US launched their joint offensive against Iran on February 28. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation. For Türkiye, which shares a border with Iran and has deep energy and trade ties, any large-scale attack on Iranian power infrastructure would have immediate spillover effects, including potential refugee flows and energy market volatility. Ankara continues to call for de-escalation and diplomacy, warning that threats to civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law.