US President Donald Trump has warned that American forces could target Iran’s bridges and power plants next week unless Tehran returns to the negotiating table, as hostilities between the two countries continue to escalate. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the United States would “take out” Iran’s power stations and bridges if no agreement is reached, adding that Washington had abandoned its proposed 20% tariff on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz but had reinstated a naval blockade on Iran to increase pressure on Tehran. The remarks came as the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a new round of strikes against Iranian targets, saying the operations were intended to further degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping in the strategic waterway. CENTCOM also accused Iran of attacking several commercial vessels and causing civilian casualties. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later confirmed strikes on two Emirati oil tankers, claiming the vessels had ignored warnings, switched off their navigation systems and attempted to pass through a mined route. Meanwhile, Kuwait said its air defence systems were intercepting Iranian drones, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens and urged residents to seek shelter. The latest escalation has pushed global oil prices higher and renewed concerns over the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
