Iran responds ‘eye for an eye’ to Trump warning ‘We will bomb ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT’ | Today’s news
Iran has threatened to halt oil flows through the Persian Gulf and target critical energy infrastructure across the region if the United States heeds President Donald Trump’s warning to attack Iranian infrastructure in response to attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The fresh exchange of threats comes as the United States continues an 11th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, while oil prices climbed to a near six-week high on growing fears of a prolonged disruption to global energy supplies.
Iran threatens retaliation
Iran’s Supreme Joint Military Command said any US action would prompt Tehran to halt all oil flow in the Persian Gulf and target oil, gas, electricity and economic infrastructure across the region, according to state media.
Revolutionary Guards Air Force Commander Majid Mousavi separately warned that Iran would cut off electricity to US regional allies if Iranian bridges or power plants were attacked.
Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi also promised a strong response.
“Our defense doctrine is clear: an eye for an eye. Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will force a strong and decisive response,” Araghchi wrote on X.
Iranian state television said US threats would only escalate the conflict.
Trump’s warning
Iran’s response followed Trump’s latest warning that the US would bomb Iranian civilian infrastructure if Tehran attacked vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
“From now on, whenever the Islamic Republic of Iran fires at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz…the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT,” Trump wrote on social media.
He added that the strikes could include facilities “located next to or within the capital city of Tehran.”
The US president also repeated threats to attack what he described as Iran’s secret “Pickaxe” nuclear complex, a device Tehran denies exists.
Trump honors fallen soldiers
Trump traveled to Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday to attend a dignified burial for four US service members killed in recent Iranian attacks – three in Jordan and one in Iraq.
The President saluted as the remains of Lieutenant Tyler Feehan, Sergeant Angelo Rampersad, Private Isabella Gonzales and Sergeant Michael Swinton were returned.
“For me, it’s one of the hardest things to do as president, but it has to be done,” Trump said.
The war has now claimed the lives of 18 US service members and injured more than 450 others, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators the conflict has cost Washington an estimated $37.5 billion.
Despite polls suggesting concern over the conflict, Trump dismissed concerns.
“Americans don’t want high gas prices, but they’re not against war,” he said.
Read also | Cash-strapped Pakistan knocks on US door for $10 billion lifeline
Oil prices rise as shipping risks widen
The escalating conflict continued to roil global energy markets.
Brent crude briefly topped $95 a barrel before settling just above $94, the highest level in nearly six weeks.
Shipping risks have also intensified after the Houthis threatened to block Saudi oil exports through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Five tankers reportedly changed course in the Red Sea, while three Saudi oil tankers bound for China and India turned around a day earlier.
Iran’s near total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has already disrupted global oil flows, contributed to rising inflation and pushed US gasoline prices back above $4 a gallon.
The fighting continues
The United States launched another wave of overnight strikes across Iran, with explosions reported over Tehran as air defenses intercepted incoming attacks.
Iranian officials said sites in Bushehr province, home to Iran’s only nuclear power plant, were hit, including electrical equipment near the plant. Iranian media also reported on attacks in Hamadan province.
Iran said it retaliated by attacking US military installations, including Al Azraq Air Base in Jordan, Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and Camp Doha in Kuwait. Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait said they had intercepted the attacks.
Iran has also targeted desalination and energy facilities in Gulf states in recent days, prompting UN Secretary-General António Guterres to condemn attacks on civilian infrastructure as “unacceptable”.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remained open to talks but insisted Iran could not be allowed to control the Strait of Hormuz.
“If they’re serious, we’re serious. If they’re not, then we’ll do what’s necessary to protect our interests and the interests of our allies,” Rubio said.
Read also | Trump Says ‘Americans Not Against War With Iran’ Despite Polls
