U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could launch attacks on Iran’s power plants and bridges within days if Tehran refuses to resume negotiations, escalating tensions as fighting between the two countries enters its fourth consecutive day.
Speaking during an interview with Fox News, Trump said Iran faced severe consequences unless it returned to the negotiating table.
“Next week it gets really bad for them,” Trump said.
“We’re going to knock out all their power plants. We’re going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate.”
The comments came as U.S. and Iranian forces continued exchanging strikes across the region, while renewed hostilities disrupted shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Renews Threat Against Civilian Infrastructure
Trump’s latest warning echoes statements he made earlier this year when he threatened to target Iranian civilian infrastructure, including bridges and electricity facilities.
The remarks have drawn criticism from international legal experts.
Following similar comments in April, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned that intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure could violate international humanitarian law.
Under the Geneva Conventions, attacks directed at civilian infrastructure that is essential for the survival of the civilian population may constitute war crimes.
Despite those concerns, Trump suggested that energy infrastructure remains a potential military target.
“I’ll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we’ll hit energy targets,” he said during the interview.
White House Says Iran Must Return to Negotiations
Trump revealed that U.S. negotiators had delivered a blunt warning to Iranian officials during recent diplomatic contacts.
According to the president, American representatives told Tehran:
“You better make a deal, or you’re not going to have anything left.”
The administration maintains that renewed military pressure is intended to force Iran back into negotiations over regional security and its nuclear programme.
Iran has repeatedly rejected that approach, insisting it will not negotiate under military or economic pressure.
US Reverses Strait of Hormuz Shipping Fee
The latest escalation follows Trump’s decision to abandon an earlier proposal to impose a 20 percent fee on cargo vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Instead, the president announced that the United States would pursue major trade and investment agreements with Gulf nations.
“I have decided to replace the 20% United States Reimbursement Fee with Trade and Investment Deals that the various Gulf States will be making into the United States.”
“Those investments will be massive.”
Trump did not provide additional details regarding the proposed agreements.
Naval Blockade Against Iran Resumes
Although the shipping fee proposal was withdrawn, the United States resumed its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for international shipping but excluded Iranian vessels.
“The Strait is open to all ship traffic except for Iran.”
He also claimed that oil exports were continuing because of the presence of the U.S. military in the region.
The blockade had originally been imposed earlier this year before being lifted temporarily under a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran aimed at reducing hostilities.
The renewed restrictions now threaten that fragile agreement.
Military Operations Continue in the Gulf
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces had launched another series of strikes against Iranian military assets.
According to CENTCOM, the operations targeted capabilities allegedly used by Iran to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Admiral Brad Cooper accused Iran of deliberately targeting civilian vessels.
He said Iranian attacks on commercial shipping had resulted in civilian casualties, including deaths, injuries and missing crew members.
The United Arab Emirates also reported that two of its oil tankers had been struck by Iranian cruise missiles, killing one Indian crew member and injuring eight others.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later confirmed attacking two tankers, alleging the vessels ignored warnings, disabled their navigation systems and attempted to travel through what it described as a restricted route.
Regional Tensions Continue to Rise
Overnight, Kuwait announced that its air defence systems intercepted Iranian drones approaching its territory.
Bahrain also activated air raid sirens and urged residents to seek shelter as a precaution.
Iran has previously acknowledged targeting U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Jordan while accusing Washington of interfering in regional security.
Tehran insists that it retains authority over the Strait of Hormuz and rejects U.S. efforts to control navigation through the strategic waterway.
Iran Rejects US Pressure
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi criticised Washington’s latest actions, arguing that renewed military operations and the blockade undermine previous diplomatic understandings.
He said the United States was mistaken if it believed additional military or economic pressure would force Iran back into negotiations.
“If the U.S. thinks that by tightening its measures against us, its military actions and its economic blockade, we will return to negotiations, it is making a mistake.”
Global Shipping and Oil Markets Affected
The renewed confrontation has significantly disrupted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
Shipping data indicates that vessel traffic has fallen to its lowest level in two months.
At the same time, global oil markets have reacted sharply, with Brent crude prices rising amid growing concerns over potential supply disruptions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil exports. Continued military escalation between the United States and Iran is expected to keep energy markets and international shipping under close watch.
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