Former President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States would retaliate by bombing Iranian bridges or power plants if Tehran attacks commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that such strikes could target the Iranian capital and were a direct response to any use of missiles, rockets, drones, or other weapons against ships.
This threat comes as oil prices climbed to their highest point in over a month, reflecting increased geopolitical pressure on Iran. Iran has been increasingly active in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transport, with attacks on commercial tankers that have disrupted markets. The situation has been further complicated by Iran's Houthi allies in Yemen, who have declared a blockade on Saudi shipping through the Red Sea, threatening another key oil export route.
The heightened tensions follow recent casualties among U.S. service members. Three American soldiers were killed in Jordan when Iranian missiles struck their living quarters, and a fourth died in Iraq during the controlled demolition of a downed Iranian drone. Trump vowed retribution, stating, "Every time Iran kills an American Soldier they will pay for that killing many times over!"
Trump also indicated potential actions against Iran's nuclear program, specifically mentioning the fortified underground complex at Pickaxe Mountain near Natanz, which intelligence suggests houses nuclear enrichment centrifuges. He stated that U.S. forces would target this site "pretty soon, and very heavily."
Recent military operations have involved U.S. Central Command conducting raids on command centers, drone storage, aircraft hangars, and maritime targets in Iran. These actions are part of an ongoing response to Iran's activities in the region.
In parallel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the diplomatic front, suggesting that Iran was not engaging in negotiations in good faith. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is seeking an additional $67 billion in emergency funding from Congress to support ongoing military operations, in addition to the $37 billion already expended. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine testified to senators that airpower alone has limitations in resolving the conflict.