Amsterdam – Greenpeace International has condemned threats by Donald Trump to target Iran’s electricity infrastructure, warning it could trigger a humanitarian catastrophe, trigger a blackout over a large part of the country and risk nuclear disaster escalating into a wider regional crisis.
Greenpeace warns that attacks on the grid could have a knock-on effect that increases the danger of a nuclear emergency at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, with potential consequences across the region.[1]
“Bombing civilian electricity infrastructure is illegal under international law. The electricity grid is essential for hospitals, clean water, desalination and the operation of nuclear facilities. Cutting it off puts millions of lives at risk,” said Jan Vande Putte, senior nuclear and radiation protection expert with Greenpeace International.[2]
“A blackout could force the Bushehr nuclear facility into depending completely on backup diesel generators, causing a heightened risk of overheating, which can lead to a Fukushima-like disaster.”[3]
Iran’s grid is already under strain due to war, climate change and sanctions leading to underinvestment.[4]
“If Trump carries through with this reckless threat to knock out critical infrastructure, it could lead to cascading failures, from blackouts to nuclear danger far beyond national borders, with the potential to escalate into a wider regional crisis,” says Vande Putte.
The US, Israel and Iran have all targeted energy infrastructure, and several attacks in Iran and Israel already appear to have come close to hitting nuclear facilities. Iran is also threatening to target water and energy infrastructure in neighbouring countries.[5] Greenpeace is urging all parties to step back from escalation and pursue a diplomatic solution now, warning that further escalation will only deepen human suffering and increase global instability.
The Bushehr nuclear plant was built and is operated by Iran’s nuclear enabler, Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear corporation.
ENDS
Notes:
[1] Trump Threatens to ‘Obliterate’ Iran’s Power Plants If Strait of Hormuz Stays Closed and Attacks on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure: Harm to the Civilian Population
[2] Cascading Failures in Power Grids
[3] Risk of unprecedented nuclear disaster if Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s electricity system continue
[4] Strikes on Iranian electricity infrastructure could trigger a water catastrophe
[5] Iran threatens to cripple Gulf water, energy systems after Trump ultimatum
Contact:
Jan Vande Putte, senior nuclear and radiation protection expert, Greenpeace International: +32 496161584, [email protected]
Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]
Discussion
This is very worrying. Targeting Iran’s electricity grid wouldn’t just disrupt power — it could jeopardize hospitals, clean water systems, and even nuclear safety at Bushehr, potentially affecting millions of lives. Discussions like this also remind us why it’s important for consumers to understand their own energy usage and bills; resources like mepcobillonline.pk can help people stay aware of how electricity charges work and why reliable infrastructure matters.
Yea but Iran bombing all its neighbours and now threatening to bomb famous tourist sites just after slaughtering 1000s of its citizens is pretty illegal too. Something has to be done to bring this crazy nation to heed. Imagine if they did get the bomb. My God. I don't want their power stations ruined but what can we do when this evil regime is holding the world hostage once more? I would suggest a massive international armada of ships to keep the sea lanes safe. This is a country that almost became another n Korea but Trump even though I don't like the man has had the courage to stop them. And even if we don't like it you can't possible accept them having such weapons. You would be insane to think otherwise. Thank you for your thought provoking article. But I just don't think there were any other options. Perhaps there are a few rather than destroying powerplants. They need to be found soon if there are.