President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, vowing to destroy one Iranian bridge or power plant each time Iranian forces target a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his social media platform, TruthSocial, Trump identified potential targets as infrastructure located in or near Tehran, signaling an escalation in U.S. responses amid ongoing hostilities.
The statement came amid renewed tensions following nearly two weeks of U.S. military strikes on Iranian military and logistics sites, which Washington says are used to threaten shipping in the strategically vital waterway. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, has been the focus of increased Iranian attacks targeting commercial vessels.
Trump’s declaration followed the 11th consecutive night of U.S. strikes and reflects an intensifying tit-for-tat dynamic between the two nations. The conflict has contributed to rising oil prices, with Brent crude rising over 3 percent to $94.10 per barrel.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also underscored the administration’s stance during remarks in Manila. Rubio stated that military actions would continue until Iran demonstrates seriousness in negotiations. “The president always prefers to negotiate and reach a deal,” Rubio said, noting efforts to engage Iran over the past 18 months. However, he added, “We’re also not going to sit by and let ships be blown up or Americans be attacked.”
Rubio indicated the U.S. would maintain pressure to protect maritime traffic and degrade Iran’s capabilities to threaten global shipping routes, while still expressing openness to diplomatic solutions should Iran engage constructively.
Iran’s health ministry reported that recent clashes have resulted in 53 deaths and approximately 600 injuries over the past several weeks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed U.S. strikes on what it described as both military and civilian sites, asserting that no vessels had crossed the southern route of the strait, which Tehran deems unauthorized. The IRGC stated that in retaliation, it targeted U.S. military assets at King Faisal and Prince Hassan air bases in Jordan.
Trump also warned that Iran would face significant consequences for the deaths of four U.S. troops reported killed in recent exchanges. The U.S. has identified the underground nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain in central Iran as a potential future target, intensifying the rhetoric surrounding possible military escalation.
The continued cycle of offensive actions and retaliations has raised concerns about broader conflict in the region, while efforts at diplomatic resolution remain stalled.