President Donald Trump has issued a warning that the United States will retaliate against Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, should Iranian forces continue to target vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated that potential targets could include sites located in or near Tehran, noting that the response would apply to any form of attack, whether executed by drones, missiles, or other weaponry.
The threat comes amid a period of intense military activity, with the U.S. conducting strikes in Iran for 11 consecutive nights. Iranian state media reported the activation of air defenses in Tehran, with explosions also noted in Tabriz, Bushehr, Chabahar, and Konarak. Meanwhile, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan reported intercepting drone and missile strikes, and oil prices rose to $94 per barrel in response to the regional instability.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that while the administration remains open to diplomacy, he expressed doubt regarding Iran's commitment to talks. Conversely, Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that if Iran's security is not maintained, regional infrastructure will not be safe, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions.
The conflict has also expanded to the Red Sea, where Houthi rebels have threatened to block Saudi vessels at the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This has prompted tankers to divert their routes, further complicating global shipping. Domestically, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that the war has cost the U.S. approximately $37.5 billion, and House Republicans have moved to approve a $95 billion budget package to support ongoing operations.
The escalation follows the collapse of a June Memorandum of Understanding intended to halt military operations and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which President Trump declared void following renewed attacks on shipping. As the conflict continues, the Pentagon has confirmed further U.S. military casualties, with President Trump vowing that Iran will face significant consequences for American fatalities.
Source: BBC News
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.