Trump says U.S. will destroy bridge or power plant for each Iranian attack in Strait of Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iranian civilian infrastructure, such as bridges or power plants, in retaliation for any Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation occurs amidst a broader, ongoing conflict that has disrupted global energy trade.
Why it matters
The threat to target civilian infrastructure marks a significant escalation in international conflict and raises concerns regarding adherence to international law.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) that the U.S. will destroy one bridge or power plant each time Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
Mr. Trump's latest threat to target civilian infrastructure came as the unpopular war spirals with no clear offramp, threatening further worldwide economic disruption and sending fuel prices up ahead of midterm U.S. elections this fall.
Both sides have dug in on their dispute over the strait, a crucial waterway for global energy that remains largely closed because of Iranian attacks.
The U.S. carried out another wave of strikes on Iran overnight into Wednesday (July 22), and air defences opened fire over the capital, Tehran. Iran launched a missile attack on a Jordanian city on Israel's doorstep, and alerts were issued in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
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