Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran: Threatens Strikes on Infrastructure

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Jul 16, 2026 ALN: US President Donald Trump has threatened to expand US strikes on Iran next week to target power plants and bridges if Tehran does not return to talks amid a continuing dispute over the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a crucial passage for global oil shipments, making it a focal point of geopolitical tensions.

“Next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges,” the US president said on Tuesday. “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.” These comments were made during a Fox News interview, which aired as the two countries exchanged fire for the fourth consecutive day, highlighting the escalating tensions between the US and Iran.

Trump earlier reversed a threat of a 20% fee on all Strait of Hormuz cargo shipping but resumed blockading Iranian ports. This decision to renew the blockade is significant as it directly impacts Iran's economy, which is heavily reliant on oil exports. The Iranian economy has been under strain due to various sanctions imposed by the US, and renewed military actions could exacerbate this situation.

Back in April, Trump had also threatened to bomb civilian infrastructure in Iran, including bridges and power plants. Such threats have drawn international condemnation, with UN human rights chief Volker Türk stating, "Under international law, deliberately attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure is a war crime." The 1949 Geneva Conventions on humanitarian conduct in war prohibit attacks on sites considered essential for civilians, adding a layer of legal and ethical scrutiny to Trump's threats.

In the same interview, Trump remarked, "I'll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we'll hit energy targets." This indicates a strategic approach where the US may aim to weaken Iran's energy sector as a means to compel negotiations. He stated that US negotiators had conveyed to their Iranian counterparts on Tuesday evening that they "'better make a deal, or you're not going to have anything left.'" This ultimatum reflects a hardline stance that seeks to leverage military threats to achieve diplomatic goals.

The escalation in rhetoric comes after Trump announced that a 20% toll he had threatened to impose in the Strait of Hormuz would be replaced by "massive" trade and investment deals with Gulf states. His announcement came just hours before the US resumed its blockade of Iranian ports, further complicating the already tense relations between the two nations.

Renewed strikes between the US and Iran have triggered a sharp rise in oil prices, as tanker traffic through the Strait has virtually stalled. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for oil transportation, with a significant percentage of the world's oil supply passing through it. Any disruption in this passage can have immediate and far-reaching implications for global energy markets.

US Central Command (Centcom) reported late on Tuesday that its forces began launching an additional round of strikes against Iran to continue degrading Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the key waterway. This military action is part of a broader strategy to assert US dominance in the region and protect its interests, particularly in terms of energy security.

In a statement late on Tuesday, US Admiral Brad Cooper accused Iran of "intentionally targeting civilians" in the region by attacking seven commercial ships, which resulted in "nearly a dozen civilian crew members killed, missing, or injured." The United Arab Emirates confirmed that Iranian cruise missiles had targeted two national tankers, killing an Indian crew member and wounding eight others, four seriously. Such incidents raise concerns about the safety of maritime operations in the region and the potential for further escalation.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later confirmed the strikes via a statement to Telegram, asserting that two tankers had ignored warnings, turned off navigation systems, and attempted to pass through a mined route. This claim highlights the complexities of maritime navigation in the region, where military tensions can lead to dangerous miscalculations.

In the early hours of Wednesday, Kuwait's military announced that it was intercepting Iranian attack drones, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens. The Kuwaiti army stated, "Kuwaiti air defences are currently engaging hostile drone attacks following the nefarious Iranian aggression." Bahrain's interior ministry urged citizens and residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place, underscoring the direct impact of these military actions on civilian populations.

Tehran claimed on Tuesday that it had targeted US military facilities in Bahrain and Jordan after earlier hitting two United Arab Emirates tankers. The ongoing strikes underscore the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran accusing the US of interfering in its management of the waterway. Control over the Strait allows Tehran to threaten the global economy, particularly as a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes through this narrow corridor.

On Monday, Trump declared that the US was now the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz and vowed to impose a 20% charge on all cargo shipped through the waterway to pay for protecting it. However, in a subsequent post on Truth Social, he indicated a shift in strategy, stating, "I have decided to replace the 20% United States Reimbursement Fee with Trade and Investment Deals that the various Gulf States will be making into the United States." This pivot reflects a desire to secure economic benefits from Gulf states while still maintaining a strong military posture in the region.

Trump also asserted that the strait "is open to ALL Ship traffic except for Iran" and that "oil is flowing like never before, thanks to the awesome Power of the United States Military." This statement illustrates the administration's narrative that US military strength is essential for maintaining stability in the region and ensuring the flow of oil.

In response to Trump's announcement, Iran reiterated its stance that it would remain in control of the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a determination to resist US pressure and assert its sovereignty over this vital waterway. Prospects for negotiations aimed at securing a permanent truce appear increasingly dim, particularly after Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the US decision to renew the blockade "has, in a way, dismantled the Islamabad memorandum," which had previously aimed to ease tensions.

When asked how long the US strikes would continue, Trump replied, "They’ll continue until I say it’s enough … 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 statement indicates a willingness to escalate military actions until diplomatic engagement is achieved, raising concerns about the potential for a broader conflict.

Gharibabadi also warned, as quoted by Reuters news agency, "If the US thinks that by tightening its measures against us, its military actions and its economic blockade, we will return to negotiations, it is making a mistake." This reflects Iran's defiance and suggests that the current approach may further entrench positions rather than facilitate dialogue.

Meanwhile, shipping data indicates that traffic through the strait has slowed to a two-month low, with the benchmark Brent Crude oil price rising sharply. This economic impact underscores the interconnectedness of military actions and global markets, particularly in the energy sector. The ongoing tensions between the US and Iran represent a significant challenge for regional stability and international relations, with implications that extend far beyond the immediate area.