By Oluwakemi Kindness
U.S President Donald Trump has threatened to target Iran’s bridges and power plants next week unless Tehran returns to the negotiating table, escalating tensions as both countries exchanged attacks for a fourth straight day.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump warned that the US would strike key infrastructure if Iran refused to negotiate. He said American officials had told Iranian leaders to reach a deal or risk losing critical facilities.
Trump also abandoned his earlier proposal to impose a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he said the US would pursue what he described as “massive” trade and investment agreements with Gulf states while maintaining pressure on Iran.
The latest threat followed fresh US military strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command said the operation hit dozens of military sites to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping.
Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at US-linked targets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, where local militaries reported intercepting several attacks.
The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices higher and raising concerns over global energy supplies.
Iran insisted it would not bow to military or economic pressure, saying tougher US measures would not force it back to negotiations.
