WANA (Mar 23) – Iran’s Energy Ministry said it is prepared to manage the electricity sector even under worst-case scenarios, as officials warned of significant damage caused during ongoing hostilities.

 

Rajabi Mashhadi, acting deputy for electricity and energy at the ministry, stated that Iran’s power industry has suffered extensive damage during the 12-day conflict and the broader war, now in its 25th day.

 

He estimated financial losses at around $128 million, citing projectile impacts on transmission, sub-transmission, and distribution networks, as well as pressure on power plants.

 

Rajabi Mashhadi said Iran now faces direct threats, noting that adversaries have explicitly announced plans to target power plants.

 

He added that if attacks occur, reduced electricity demand compared to previous periods would allow authorities to restore supply quickly by redistributing generation and transferring loads across the grid.

 

He noted that the time needed to bring power plants back online would depend on the extent of damage. However, he stressed that Iran’s domestic capabilities in building and repairing power plants would enable rapid reconstruction and a swift return to production.

 

The official also said that, under international laws adopted since the 1940s, attacks on civilian infrastructure—especially those disrupting essential services—constitute war crimes.

 

He called on international bodies to act to prevent harm that directly affects civilians.