United States President Donald Trump has warned that the U.S. military will continue launching heavy strikes against Iran, including attacks on bridges and power plants, unless Tehran agrees to negotiate.
Speaking on Tuesday amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Trump said Washington would intensify its military campaign until Iran returns to the negotiating table.
“We’re going to hit them very hard tonight. We’re going to hit them very hard tomorrow night. We’re going to hit them very hard the night after… We’re going to knock out all their power plants, we’re going to knock out all their bridges, unless they get to the table and negotiate,” he said.
Trump’s remarks came as the United States expanded its military operations against Iran following fresh waves of air and naval strikes.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday that American forces had carried out another round of coordinated attacks on dozens of Iranian military targets near the strategic Strait of Hormuz and along the country’s coastline.
According to CENTCOM, the operation concluded at 10 p.m. ET on July 14 and involved fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels striking missile and drone facilities, naval assets and coastal defence systems over a seven-hour period.
The command said the operation was aimed at further weakening Iran’s military capabilities and reducing its ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels operating in the Gulf region.
CENTCOM also disclosed that the strikes coincided with the resumption of a U.S. naval blockade targeting vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports. The blockade reportedly took effect at 4 p.m. ET on the same day and is intended to restrict maritime movements linked to Iran while supporting ongoing military operations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, handling a significant share of global oil exports, making the latest developments a major concern for international energy markets and regional security.
Despite mounting military pressure, Iran has maintained a defiant stance.
Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi rejected Trump’s assertion that the United States would assume responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz and charge a 20 per cent reimbursement fee on cargo passing through the waterway.
Araghchi insisted that Iran has historically safeguarded the strategic passage and would continue to do so.
“Iran has always been the guardian of the Strait and will remain so forever,” he said, while adding that although countries providing security could be compensated, the proposed 20 per cent charge suggested by Trump was excessive.
The exchange underscores growing tensions between Washington and Tehran as both sides harden their positions amid an escalating military confrontation in the Gulf region.
