US President Donald Trump has issued a severe warning to Tehran, declaring that the United States will retaliate against any attacks on shipping in the vital Strait of Hormuz by destroying critical Iranian infrastructure.
In a statement posted on X, Trump warned that regardless of the weapon used—be it a missile, rocket, or drone—any strike on a vessel will trigger a targeted US strike on an Iranian bridge or power plant, including those located in or around Tehran.
Escalating Military Strikes and Regional Tension
Trump’s ultimatum follows a 11th consecutive wave of US strikes against Iran, during which air defense systems were triggered over the capital city. The escalating conflict has spilled across the region, with Iran launching missile strikes near Israel’s doorstep in Jordan, while air raid alerts were triggered in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The ongoing hostilities have effectively choked off traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial transit point for global energy supplies, sending shockwaves through international markets.
Key Takeaway: President Trump signaled that the military campaign is far from over, claiming the damage already inflicted on Iran would take “20 to 25 years to rebuild” and asserting that US forces are “not finished at all.”
Diplomacy Stalled Despite Behind-the-Scenes Activity
While reports indicate that indirect communication continues through regional mediators, Trump dismissed the prospect of immediate high-level peace talks. Speaking from the Oval Office, he stated that while Tehran is “desperate to meet” to end the devastating strikes, the US has no interest in negotiations until Iran is prepared to engage in a meaningful way.
Conversely, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that diplomatic channels via third-party mediators remain active. Midst the surging conflict, regional leaders like Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have urged all parties to exercise restraint and work toward de-escalation.
