Trump Threatens to Strike Iran's Civilian Infrastructure as Blockade Escalates
President Trump threatened to attack Iran's power plants and bridges next week while reimposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The escalation comes as the U.S. military continues strikes and Iran reports over 30 civilian deaths from recent attacks.
Escalating Military Threats
President Trump told Fox News he's prepared to attack Iran's civilian infrastructure "next week," stating "Next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges. 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". This represents a dramatic escalation in rhetoric targeting critical civilian infrastructure.
Strait of Hormuz Blockade Reinstated
Trump said in a social media post that he'd canceled plans to charge a 20% toll on all commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but the U.S. military reimposed its blockade of Iran's ports, causing oil prices to surge by nearly 10%. Trump announced the naval blockade would resume and the U.S. military launched a new round of strikes after Trump said the U.S. Navy would reinstate the blockade.
Civilian Casualties and Congressional Opposition
Iran's government says recent U.S. strikes have killed more than 30 civilians and wounded more than 260 people. Senate Democrats blocked a $1.15 trillion Pentagon budget bill over the Iran war, with progressives pushing back as the House Democratic leader opposes ending military aid to Israel. The growing human toll and congressional pushback underscore deep divisions over the conflict's direction.
Broader Conflict Context
The IRGC announced they hit the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and the Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan as part of a second wave of retaliatory strikes against the United States. Kuwait's defense ministry says Iran has hit three land border posts and an offshore rig operated by the Kuwait Oil Company, while the IRGC says it has hit HIMARS launchers in Kuwait.