US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned that the United States would target Iranian civilian infrastructure if Tehran continues launching attacks on vessels navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that any future assault by Iran on ships in the waterway—whether using missiles, rockets, drones or any other weapon—would trigger a US strike on an Iranian bridge or power plant.
READ MORE:Defamation case: Court refuses uncertified document in Sowore’s defence
“From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT,” Trump wrote.
He added that potential targets could include facilities located in or near Iran’s capital, Tehran.
The warning came shortly before Trump departed for Dover Air Force Base to receive the remains of three American service members killed in Iranian attacks on US military installations in the Gulf.
Speaking before the trip, the president said he was travelling to “honor our heroes,” describing the fallen troops as “great heroes.”
Trump said the slain service members had been united in opposing Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.
“All of them said, very strongly, that we can’t let Iran have a nuclear weapon, so we’re going to honor them,” he said, adding that attending the transfer of fallen troops is among the most difficult responsibilities of the presidency.
The president also dismissed opinion polls suggesting that the conflict with Iran has become increasingly unpopular among Americans ahead of the November midterm elections, as higher oil prices continue to drive up the cost of living.
According to Trump, Americans may be concerned about rising fuel prices but still support the military campaign.
“Americans don’t want high gasoline prices but they’re not against the war, that just came out loud and clear,” he said.
The conflict has reportedly cost the United States about $37.5 billion.
Since the collapse of an initial ceasefire agreement amid renewed fighting around the Strait of Hormuz, the United States has intensified its military campaign, carrying out 11 consecutive days of strikes against Iran.
Tehran has responded by launching attacks on US military facilities across the Gulf region.
The US military said Wednesday’s dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware was held for two service members killed during an Iranian strike on a base in Jordan and another who died while conducting a controlled drone detonation operation in Iraq.
A fourth service member remains missing following the attack in Jordan.
Trump has repeatedly vowed to retaliate for the deaths of US personnel, promising that Iran would pay “many times over” while also escalating threats to strike the country’s civilian infrastructure. The number of American fatalities linked to the conflict has now risen to 18.
The US president also renewed comments made on Tuesday about what he described as a secret Iranian nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain, warning that it could become a future target. Iran has denied the existence of any nuclear installation there, insisting the location is known as Kolang Mountain.
AFP
About The Author
