President Donald Trump said the U.S. will target Iran's power plants and bridges next week if Tehran does not resume negotiations over a deal [1].
The threat marks a significant escalation in tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. By targeting infrastructure, the administration is attempting to use maximum economic and operational pressure to force a diplomatic breakthrough.
During a Fox News interview on Tuesday, Trump said that the current situation would deteriorate quickly for Iran if talks do not resume [1]. He specifically identified power plants and bridges as the primary targets for expanded military action [1].
"Next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges," Trump said [1].
Tehran has been locked in a dispute with the U.S. over the Strait of Hormuz, where military friction has increased. The administration is seeking a deal to ease these tensions, and ensure the free flow of maritime traffic [2].
Trump said that the U.S. is prepared to take drastic measures to ensure Iran returns to the negotiating table [3]. "We’re going to knock out all their power plants and bridges if they don’t come back to the table," Trump said [3].
While some reports emphasize the specific timing of the strikes for next week [1], other accounts focus on the conditional nature of the threat based on whether negotiations resume [4]. The U.S. government has not released a formal military timeline, but the president's public statements signal a shift toward targeting critical infrastructure rather than limited tactical strikes.
“"Next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants."”
This escalation signals a shift in U.S. strategy from containment to the direct threat of infrastructure degradation. By targeting power plants and bridges, the U.S. aims to create internal instability and economic paralysis within Iran to gain leverage in the Strait of Hormuz negotiations. If Tehran refuses to return to the table, the U.S. risks a broader regional conflict that could disrupt global energy markets.
