Tehran signals readiness to strike back at US-linked assets as Washington hardens its stance over the Strait of Hormuz, even as negotiations remain uncertain.
US President Donald Trump. (File Photo: X/@WhiteHouse)
Iran has issued a direct warning to the United States, saying it will hit back at American-linked infrastructure if its own facilities are targeted, after US President Donald Trump threatened major strikes unless Tehran agrees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The sharp exchange comes at a time when tensions in West Asia are rising again, with talks still on but rhetoric from both sides turning increasingly aggressive. Washington has been pushing Iran to reach a deal and reopen the key oil route, while Tehran has signalled it will not back down under pressure.
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Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the country’s armed forces are prepared to retaliate if any attack is carried out on its infrastructure. “If Iran’s infrastructure is targeted, we will respond in kind,” he said, as reported by Al Jazeera. He added that any facilities linked to the US or supporting its actions against Iran could become targets.
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Trump, in a series of statements, warned of severe consequences if Iran does not comply. In an interview with Axios, he said there was still a possibility of an agreement, but added, “If they don’t make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there.”
He also posted a message on Truth Social, setting a deadline and threatening action against Iran’s energy and civil infrastructure. Using unusually strong language, he said Tuesday would mark a decisive moment, warning of attacks on power plants and bridges.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F****n’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah,” he stated in his post.
Earlier, Trump claimed that one of Iran’s major bridges had already been hit and urged Tehran to act before it was “too late”.
“The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again — Much more to follow! IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!” the post stated.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf criticised Trump’s remarks, accusing him of pushing the region towards instability. In a post on X, he said such moves could drag the United States into serious trouble and blamed Washington for escalating tensions.
He also alleged that US actions were aligned with Israeli interests and warned that continued aggression could destabilise the entire Gulf region.
Meanwhile, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, dismissed the US threats, saying similar warnings have been made in the past without result. Speaking to ANI, he said Iran’s political system has remained strong despite decades of external pressure.
“It is not anything new. They have been making such statements for a long time. They could not do anything for 47 years,” he said, adding that developments on the ground tell a different story than the US’ claims of success.
Trump has repeatedly changed the timeline for action. After initially giving Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait, he extended the deadline several times. His latest post pointed to Tuesday evening as the new cutoff.
Despite the tough messaging, he indicated that negotiations are still underway and suggested a deal could be reached before the deadline.
The standoff continues with both sides holding firm positions, even as diplomatic channels remain open.
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