US President warns Iran that attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to devastating strikes on its power infrastructure.
Hormuz Strait Blockade Disrupts Global Energy Transport
The Middle East war, triggered by US and Israeli attacks followed by Iranian retaliation, has halted maritime transport from the Persian Gulf, primarily affecting oil and LNG shipments. The critical route through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iranian authorities are attempting to block, previously carried about one-fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies. Reuters reports that due to the closure, hundreds of vessels are now anchored on both sides of this strategic waterway.
Currently, there are no indications of imminent resumption of shipping. Iran claims the strait is completely closed, threatening any vessel attempting passage with shelling. The United States, however, reports only limited traffic is still moving through the waterway.
Iran Sets Conditions for Strait Passage
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on Monday that any Arab or European country that has expelled Israeli and US ambassadors from its territory will, starting the next day, receive full rights to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Warns of Catastrophic Consequences
US President Donald Trump threatened to attack Iranian power plants if Iran continues to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz. During a press conference in Miami, Trump claimed the US military has achieved “unprecedented successes” in Iran, eliminating approximately 90% of Iran’s missile capabilities.
“We have hit over 5,000 targets so far, including some of the most important,” Trump stated, adding that some targets were deliberately spared for potential future use. “If we hit them, their reconstruction will take many years because they are related to electricity production and many other things.”
While insisting the US and Israel “do not intend to do this unless it becomes necessary,” Trump acknowledged these power plants are easy targets but warned that attacking them “could have catastrophic consequences.”
Trump Promises Further Action
President Trump also threatened broader actions to reduce oil prices and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, vowing not to “allow the terrorist regime to take the world hostage and try to block global oil supplies.” He promised Iran would be “hit much harder” if it continues interfering with shipping.
Trump emphasized that any such strikes would be executed “so quickly that they will never be able to get up again” and warned Iran “if they want to play this game, they’d better not play it.” He announced plans for US warships to escort tankers through the strait and further lifting of sanctions to lower commodity prices.
Trump Predicts War’s End
The US President has repeatedly stated the war will soon conclude, though not “not yet this week.” When asked what metric would indicate he has “won enough” in Iran, Trump responded that victory would be achieved when Iran, after hostilities cease, shows no interest in rebuilding its nuclear program.
“We’re just getting started – building a new country,” Trump declared, suggesting the possibility of extending military operations beyond current objectives. “I could (…) at this moment call it a great success and leave, or we could go further. And we will go further.”
Human Cost of Conflict
Israeli and US forces initiated military operations against Iran on February 28. According to Iranian authorities, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Iranian citizens. In retaliation, Iran’s attacks have claimed the lives of 28 Israeli citizens and seven American soldiers.
