Trump threatens strikes on Iranian infrastructure if attacks in Hormuz continue

International

US President Donald Trump warned that the United States would target Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, if Iran or its forces continue attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US would retaliate against any attack on commercial shipping in the strategic waterway, whether carried out using "missiles, rockets, drones, or any other device or weapon."

He added that potential targets could include facilities "located next to, or in," Tehran.

The warning came as US forces launched strikes on Iran for the 11th consecutive night. Iranian state media reported that air defense systems were activated in Tehran, while explosions were reported in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, and Bushehr, home to the country's only nuclear power plant, a report by BBC stated.

Iran warned of retaliation after Trump signaled that the US could also strike an underground nuclear site near Natanz. Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan said they intercepted Iranian drones and missiles targeting the region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would protect vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and remained open to diplomacy, although he questioned Iran's willingness to negotiate.

"We will defend" ships passing through the strait from being "blown up," Rubio said.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that regional oil exports could be disrupted if Iran's security is threatened.

"In a region where we do not sell oil, no-one will sell oil. If our security is not ensured, no infrastructure will be safe, and the security of the strait is in the absence of American forces. We have repeatedly said that the situation of the strait will not return to pre-war conditions,” Ghalibaf wrote on X.

Trump also threatened action against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels after the group announced plans to block Saudi vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, another key global shipping route.

The latest escalation pushed global oil prices to about $94 per barrel as concerns over supply disruptions intensified.

The renewed fighting came weeks after Iran and the US signed a memorandum aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing hostilities. However, Trump declared the agreement "over" following renewed attacks on ships and subsequent US military strikes.(Mary Elaine Virtucio, UP Cebu Comm Intern)