Trump Threatens Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure Over Strait of Hormuz Closure

US President Donald Trump threatened military strikes on Iran's bridges and power plants if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to oil tankers. The deadline is Monday, after which Trump stated Tuesday would mark attacks on energy infrastructure. Iran closed the strait in February following the start of the war, leading to drone and missile attacks on vessels and a resulting oil-price shock that disrupted global markets.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf responded on social media platform X, criticizing Trump's actions. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson stated Tehran would target US-linked infrastructure in retaliation.

“Your reckless moves are dragging the United States into a living HELL for every single family, and our whole region is going to burn because you insist on following Netanyahu’s commands. Make no mistake: You won’t gain anything through war crimes.”

“— Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Sunday (The Independent)”

Trump's comments on Truth Social included expletives, directing Iran to "open the F*in’ Strait" or face consequences, and ended with "Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP." In a Fox News interview, Trump claimed Iran was involved in negotiations but said he would "take Iran’s oil" if no agreement is reached.

On Sunday, US special forces rescued a wounded US airman stranded in Iran after his fighter jet was shot down. The airman, a weapons-systems officer, sustained injuries but is expected to recover. Trump described the operation as "one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history," noting the airman was behind enemy lines in Iran's mountains, armed with a pistol, beacon, and communication device.

The rescue followed a Friday mission to recover the jet's pilot, during which US helicopter crew members were wounded by small-arms fire, according to US officials cited by CBS. Iran reported destroying several US aircraft, including two military transport planes and two Black Hawk helicopters, during the operations. A US official stated at least one aircraft was destroyed due to malfunction.

This airman was the second crew member from the jet Iran said it downed with air defenses on Friday, prompting searches by both sides. No US personnel were killed in the Sunday rescue, which involved CIA and Israeli intelligence resources.

On March 27, Trump announced a 10-day pause in strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure after "productive talks" with Tehran through mediators. Tehran denies direct communication with Washington, and the indirect negotiations have not produced a breakthrough to halt the fighting.

The war began in February, with at least 13 US service personnel killed and more than 300 injured. Strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure by the US and Israel would escalate the conflict, as Tehran has vowed to target Gulf energy and oil plants in response.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll from last weekend showed 66 percent of Americans want the war to end quickly, even if it means not achieving administration goals. The conflict has sparked a global energy crisis, with the Strait of Hormuz typically handling one-fifth of the world's oil and gas in peacetime.

Iran has arranged deals, most recently with Iraq, to allow safe passage for some vessels but bars those from countries supporting the US or Israel. Trump plans a news conference in the Oval Office on Monday at 1 p.m. local time, after the deadline expires.

Former Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized Trump's comments on X, stating officials should "beg forgiveness from God" and intervene in his "madness." She wrote, "I know all of you and him and he has gone insane, and all of you are complicit."

“WE GOT HIM! This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour.”

“— Donald Trump, Sunday (The Independent)”