Trump threatening to strike Iranian power plants has triggered panic in Tehran, where residents fear widespread blackouts could plunge the capital of 10 million people into darkness. The New York Times reports civilians are already stockpiling supplies as tensions escalate ahead of the president's deadline. This development underscores the potential for severe humanitarian consequences if military action disrupts Iran's critical energy infrastructure, though specific targets or timelines remain unclear.

Tehran's vulnerability stems from its heavy reliance on centralized power grids, which experts warn could cripple essential services like hospitals and water treatment facilities during prolonged outages. While the White House has not specified which facilities might be targeted, the threat represents a significant escalation in rhetoric that could trigger broader regional instability. The psychological impact on war-weary Iranians, already grappling with economic sanctions, adds another layer of concern for global markets watching for potential energy supply disruptions.

The situation remains fluid, with no immediate military action confirmed. However, the mere threat has already influenced market perceptions, driving up oil prices on fears of supply chain interruptions. Analysts caution that any actual strike would represent a major escalation with unpredictable consequences for both regional security and global energy markets, though concrete economic models remain speculative at this stage.