United States President Donald Trump has threatened to expand military strikes against Iran, warning that the country’s bridges and power plants could be targeted next week if Tehran refuses to return to negotiations. The warning comes as hostilities between the two countries continue to intensify, with both sides exchanging attacks for a fourth consecutive day.
Speaking in an interview, Trump said Iran faces severe consequences if it does not agree to renewed talks, declaring that American forces were prepared to strike key infrastructure across the country. According to him, the next phase of military action could focus on power facilities and bridges unless Iranian authorities “get to the table and negotiate.”
The remarks followed Trump’s decision to reverse an earlier proposal for a 20 per cent fee on cargo moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he announced plans to pursue major trade and investment agreements with Gulf states while maintaining pressure on Iran through military and economic measures.
The latest escalation comes after the United States resumed military operations and tightened restrictions on Iranian ports. U.S. Central Command said recent strikes targeted Iranian military assets near the Strait of Hormuz with the objective of reducing Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the region.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S.-linked targets in several Gulf countries, including Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. Regional authorities reported interceptions of drones and activated emergency response measures amid fears of a broader conflict.
Washington has also accused Iran of targeting civilian shipping. U.S. officials said several commercial vessels had come under attack, resulting in casualties among civilian crew members. The United Arab Emirates separately reported that Iranian missiles struck two of its tankers, killing one crew member and injuring others.
The growing confrontation has rattled global energy markets. Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, has slowed considerably as concerns mount over the security of maritime trade. Oil prices have reacted sharply to the uncertainty surrounding the waterway.
Trump defended the U.S. military campaign, insisting that sustained pressure was necessary to force Iran back to the negotiating table. However, the threat to target civilian infrastructure has drawn criticism from international observers. United Nations human rights officials have previously warned that deliberate attacks on facilities essential to civilian life could violate international humanitarian law.
Iranian officials have rejected Washington’s demands, arguing that increased military action and economic pressure will not compel the country to negotiate. Tehran has maintained that it will continue to defend its interests in the Strait of Hormuz and across the region.
With diplomacy stalled and military operations continuing, fears are growing that the confrontation could expand into a wider regional crisis with significant implications for global security and energy supplies.
