Iran threatens to attack Mideast electrical plants powering US bases

Good evening. You’re watching the Manila Times’ News Prime. Today is March 23rd. Our top story: Israel has launched a new wave of attacks on Iran’s capital, Tehran, targeting key infrastructure as the war enters a more dangerous phase. In response, Iran has warned it will strike power plants across the Middle East if the United States carries out threats to attack its energy facilities. The standoff has raised fears of a wider regional conflict that could disrupt electricity and water supplies, particularly in Gulf countries that rely on desalination plants. The Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil route—remains at the center of the crisis, with Iran warning it may fully close the passage if attacked. Oil prices have surged by more than 50 percent since the war began, adding pressure to global markets. Missile and drone attacks have also been reported across the region, including in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Read: https://tmt.news/2305199 Pagasa has officially declared the start of the warm and dry season. This comes as the northeast monsoon, or Amihan, has ended. Pagasa says the shift in wind patterns signals a gradual increase in temperatures in the coming weeks. However, some areas in northern Luzon may still experience occasional cool winds. The agency is urging the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses as conditions become hotter. Read: https://tmt.news/2305194 Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has filed cyber libel complaints against 18 former Marines. The case stems from claims that the group delivered cash to his residence allegedly for the International Criminal Court.Trillanes denied the allegations, saying the accusations were inconsistent and changed over time. The complaint was filed before the Department of Justice and includes statements made during press conferences and media interviews. Trillanes says he is determined to pursue the case and reveal the full truth in the coming weeks. He had earlier filed a separate perjury case against the same group. Read: https://tmt.news/2305183 The Education Department, meanwhile, is reminding schools to keep things simple this graduation season. The Department of Education has ordered all public schools to hold simple and meaningful graduation ceremonies. Dep-Ed banned schools from requiring contributions or fees for graduation activities. The agency also discourages extravagant attire and expensive venues. Education Secretary Sonny Angara says graduation should remain a celebration of achievement—not a financial burden for families. Ceremonies are encouraged to be held in school grounds or covered courts, while non-academic activities should not be required for completion. Flights at New York’s LaGuardia Airport were halted after a plane collided with an airport vehicle on the runway. Authorities say an Air Canada aircraft struck a Port Authority vehicle while landing. Emergency crews responded to the incident, and a ground stop was imposed, causing widespread delays and flight cancellations. Officials have yet to release full details, including whether there were any injuries. Passengers were advised to expect disruptions and use alternate routes as operations were temporarily suspended. Read: https://tmt.news/2305193 Severe flooding in Hawaii has left more than 2,000 people without power after days of heavy rain. The storm—described as the worst in more than two decades—caused widespread damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure. Authorities say over 200 people were rescued from rising waters, while thousands were forced to evacuate. Power has been restored to some areas, but crews continue repair work as damage assessments are underway. Officials estimate losses could reach up to one billion dollars. While conditions are beginning to improve, residents are still being advised to remain cautious as isolated flooding may continue. For more news and information, read the Manila Times on print, subscribe to its digital edition, or log on to www.manilatimes.net Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn; and be part of our communities on Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Mastodon. That's all for now on the Manila Times News Prime. Remember to stay safe, stay informed, and stay connected. Check out our Streaming Channel: https://streaming.manilatimes.net/ Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at [https://www.manilatimes.net](https://www.manilatimes.net/) Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Tune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein