U.S. airstrikes knocked out key components of Iran’s power grid on Monday, plunging the capital, Tehran, and the western city of Khorramabad into darkness as the month-long conflict between the two nations entered a volatile new phase centered on control of a strategic waterway.
The strikes, which targeted electrical infrastructure, represent a significant escalation in the war that began Feb. 28 with U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and alleged leadership targets. The blackouts mark the first time the U.S. has directly targeted Iran’s civilian energy grid in the conflict, signaling a broadening of military objectives.
The operation came hours after President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum from the White House, demanding that Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz—through which approximately 20% of globally traded oil transits—by the evening of March 24.
Videos show the aftermath of strikes in Iran, as search teams recover bodies from rubble.
Residents use torches to search for loved ones amid power outages.
Iran’s health ministry says the death toll from the US-Israeli war has surpassed 1,500. pic.twitter.com/pqhxUd4AJC
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 23, 2026
Tehran plunged into total blackout 🇮🇷🌑
Massive power cuts + heavy strikes on energy stations.
Trump vowed to hit power plants if Hormuz stays closed — and now the capital is dark!
Did Trump keep his word? pic.twitter.com/WDpjn235vt— سيف الدرعي| Saif alderei (@saif_aldareei) March 23, 2026
BREAKING: Air attack causes destruction, blackout in Iran’s Khorramabad
🔴 LIVE updates: https://t.co/UBey4aq1KP pic.twitter.com/OTHmu42ILH
— Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) March 23, 2026
Destruction, blackout in Iran’s Khorramabad after air attack
Footage, verified by Al Jazeera, shows residents of the city of Khorramabad, west of Tehran, searching through the debris of a destroyed building following an air attack on the area.
The videos show residents using torches as the raid appears to have caused a blackout in the area.
Explosions rock Tehran
Our colleagues at Al Jazeera Arabic are reporting a series of powerful explosions across central, southern, and eastern Tehran.
AJA said that Iranian air defence systems have also been activated throughout the capital.