Trump Issues Stark Warning to Iran: Power Plants and Bridges at Risk

In a bold statement, President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with military action targeting its power plants and bridges unless the country returns to the negotiating table. He indicated that strikes would intensify in the coming days, emphasizing that energy infrastructure would be among the last targets. Trump expressed confidence that Iran has no choice but to negotiate, stating that military actions would continue until he deems the objectives met. The situation escalates as shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited, with Trump asserting that it is open to international vessels but closed to Iranian traffic. This warning raises significant concerns about the potential impact on global stability and the economy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 15, 2026, 10:48 IST

Escalating Tensions Between the US and Iran

Washington: President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening to target the nation's power plants and bridges if negotiations do not resume. He indicated that military actions would escalate in the upcoming days.

In a statement to the press, Trump declared, "We will strike them hard tonight, and the following nights as well. Next week will be particularly severe for them."

He mentioned that energy infrastructure would be among the last targets in the ongoing US military campaign.

"I’ll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we’ll hit energy targets, yeah," Trump stated. "Next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges."

He emphasized, "We’re gonna knock out all their power plants. We’re gonna knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate."

When asked if he believed Iran was serious about reaching an agreement, Trump responded, "I think they have no choice."

The president noted that the strikes would persist until he felt the objectives had been met.

"They’ll continue until I say, it’s enough," he remarked. "They have some fight left, but they don’t have much."

Trump refrained from confirming whether the US planned to seize Kharg Island, a crucial hub for Iranian oil exports, and did not dismiss the possibility of a limited ground operation.

"I would say no, if I thought it was appropriate," he replied when questioned about ruling out ground action. "Sometimes you need a ground campaign, but we have other people that will do the ground campaign for us."

He mentioned that the US had already targeted Kharg Island but had spared its oil facilities to avoid impacting the global economy.

"At some point we could," he said regarding potential strikes on oil infrastructure. "But I think it’s unlikely."

Trump also stated that the Strait of Hormuz was open for international shipping but closed to Iranian vessels.

"It’s open if people wanna go through it," he explained. "We’re not opening it for Iran. That’s the only one it’s closed for. It’s closed for Iran both in and out, but it’s open now."

According to Fox News, shipping data indicated that only 10 vessels passed through the strait on Monday, representing less than 10 percent of the usual traffic in this vital waterway.

Trump revealed that his representatives had communicated with Iranian officials shortly before the interview. When asked about the message conveyed, he stated, "You better make a deal. You’re not gonna have any, you’re not gonna have anybody left."