Israeli-American Assault on Iran: Trump Threatens to Destroy Power Plants and Bridges if Hormuz Strait Remains Closed

US President Donald Trump warned that if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened to all ships by Tuesday, he would destroy Iranian power plants and bridges. He issued this threat through a post on social media filled with strong language. Reiterating his earlier warning to “make it a hell,” he also told American media there is a “good chance” of reaching an agreement with Tehran.

Iran rejected the threats, calling them “helpless, frightened, and foolish.” Trump’s statement came after the successful rescue of another crew member from a downed American warplane in Iran. Both the US and Iran have been intensively searching for missing US soldiers in the mountainous southwestern region of Iran.

In the ongoing conflict, Iran has been responding to US and Israeli airstrikes by targeting Gulf states allied with them. Iran has significantly disrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital waterways through which about 20 percent of global oil and gas passes. This disruption has increased global oil prices and heightened inflation risks worldwide.

Trump has repeatedly changed the deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Initially, he warned that if the strait was not “completely open” within 48 hours by March 21, he would destroy Iran’s power infrastructure. However, Iran has refused to engage in any talks with the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Israel has disclosed data showing attacks on Iranian petrochemical facilities as well as other public infrastructure.