TRUMP THREATENS TO DESTROY IRANIAN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR EACH SHIP ATTACK

US President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy a bridge or power plant in Iran every time Iranian forces attack a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated: "From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by missile, rocket, drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy one bridge or power plant, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran." The threat emerged as Pentagon war-planners drafted plans for a partial ground invasion of Iran, with the option of targeting Kharg Island presented to Trump as one escalation pathway, though he has not authorised such an operation.

The latest statement represents an intensification of Trump's repeated threats against Iranian civilian infrastructure in recent weeks. Iran has responded with its own counter-threats, including warnings that it could attack US bases in the region and capture American soldiers. Former Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, now a member of parliament, called for escalation beyond strikes on regional US bases, stating Iran should pursue ground war. Iran's military warned it would bomb its own territory if America occupied Kharg Island.

The exchange reflects deepening tensions in the Middle East centred on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's conditional threat ties each Iranian action against shipping to a specific US response targeting infrastructure. Iran's stated willingness to target US military assets and personnel indicates the dispute remains unresolved despite the escalatory rhetoric from both sides.