President Donald Trump has escalated his threats against Iran, warning that the US will destroy one bridge or power plant for every ship Iran attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military has carried out 12 consecutive nights of airstrikes against Iran, with both countries expanding their attacks to include civilian infrastructure.
US Airstrikes Intensify as Diplomatic Efforts Stall
The US Central Command said the strikes were intended to weaken Iran's capacity to threaten commercial vessels and civilian mariners passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. Iranian state media reported that US missiles struck areas near the western cities of Ahvaz, Ramshir, and Andimeshk on Wednesday night.
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has vowed to retaliate against any aggression from the US, stating that his country will adopt a doctrine of equivalent retaliation. "Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response," he wrote on X.
Iran Responds with Retaliation
Iran has already responded to earlier US strikes by targeting energy facilities and desalination plants supplying drinking water across Gulf states. Kuwait's military said its air defences had intercepted hostile drones attributed to Iranian aggression. Iranian state media reported that two people were killed in a separate strike on the town of Shalamcheh, near the Iraqi border.
Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, has dismissed Trump's escalating threats, stating that "the situation of the strait will not return to prewar conditions." Qalibaf has been involved in negotiations with Washington, but it remains unclear whether talks will yield any progress.
Diplomatic Efforts Remain Stalled
Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan, which has been serving as a key mediator, in an attempt to revive talks. However, an Arab diplomat told reporters that Gulf states were growing increasingly pessimistic about finding a path to de-escalation. The prospects for any near-term improvement appear bleak.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that allowing any nation to control an international waterway and levy tolls on shipping would set a dangerous global precedent. He added that Washington remains open to negotiations but said Iran does not currently appear serious about pursuing them.
Economic Consequences Mount
Brent crude oil has climbed above USD 93 per barrel, up from under USD 72 earlier in the month, as the closure of the strait continues to rattle global energy markets. The war has cost the US approximately KSh 4.85 trillion (USD 37.5 billion) to date, according to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Source: Tuko
