Donald Trump Warns Of More Iran Strikes; Threatens To Target Power Plants, Bridges Next Week If No Deal

Washington: Military tensions between the US and Iran have been steadily increasing for several months. The conflict between the two countries over the Strait of Hormuz has deepened. US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, saying that if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz to all types of ships by the deadline of July 15, the US will target Iran's power plants, bridges, and other vital infrastructure.

What did Trump say?

Donald Trump has stated that if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping by a deadline of Tuesday, the US could target Iran's power plants, bridges, and other critical infrastructure. 

Trump reiterated his earlier warning that Iran could face serious consequences if the situation remains unchanged. However, he also indicated that the possibility of a deal with Tehran is not completely lost and that a negotiated solution could be found.

"Next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges," Trump said in an interview with the US broadcaster.

"We're going to knock out all their power plants. We're going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate."

Now, Trump has warned that if Tehran doesn't agree to a deal, he will expand the scope of US attacks in Iran next week to target power plants and bridges.

What is the reason of conflict?

The dispute escalated further when Iran blocked normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is considered one of the world's most vital energy routes, carrying a significant portion of global oil supplies. Following the disruption, international crude oil prices have seen a surge. If this situation persists for a prolonged period, fuel prices could become more expensive in many countries and could impact inflation.

This was the fourth consecutive day of US attacks on Iran. Iran too has not remained silent. It has also attacked Kuwait and Bahrain, which are US allies and where US military bases are present. Once again, the US has closed the Strait of Hormuz, the most important sea route for oil trade in the world, for Iran. The US has again imposed a naval blockade to prevent ships from coming and going from Iranian ports.

What did US Central Command (CENTCOM) say?

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said its recent strikes were aimed at "degrading Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial vessels" in the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for oil and gas in the Gulf, where Tehran has repeatedly attacked civilian vessels to maintain its control.

Additionally, Donald Trump backed down from his threat to impose a hefty 20 per cent tax on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said he was taking this decision in response to requests from Gulf countries. "Instead, Gulf countries will now trade and invest heavily in the United States."

Did US attack Iran for the fourth consecutive day?

Iranian state media reported explosions near the port city of Bandar Abbas, the Gulf island of Qeshm near Hormuz, and elsewhere. Later, the state news agency said Iranian forces carried out a drone attack on a military base in Jordan where US fighter jets are stationed. Furthermore, a new US naval blockade of Hormuz has returned to effect. The blockade began an hour after US strikes began for the fourth consecutive night. Iran said the move effectively ended an agreement with Washington to halt the conflict for peace talks.