Trump’s new threat to Iran: Negotiate or we’ll blow up power plants and bridges…

New Delhi. US President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that if Iran does not return to the negotiating table, the US will target its power plants and bridges starting next week. Trump also stated that if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington, it will be left with nothing. In an interview with Fox News, Trump claimed that if talks do not resume, the US will further intensify its military campaign against Iran in the coming days.

Threat to destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges
Trump said, “We will target them very forcefully tomorrow night. We will launch a severe attack the day after that as well, and then things will get even worse for them next week. Next week, it will be the turn of the power plants. If they don’t come to the negotiating table to talk, then next week it will be the turn of the bridges. We will destroy all their power plants and bridges.”

Trump’s statement comes at a time when tensions in West Asia are high and both nations are attacking each other’s targets. According to a CNN report, contact between US and Iranian representatives remains ongoing. However, the Trump administration maintains that talks cannot progress as long as Iran continues to restrict maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

How long will the military campaign against Iran continue?
How long will the military campaign against Iran continue? Responding to this question, Trump said the attacks would continue until he decides to stop them. The US President did not entirely rule out the possibility of deploying ground troops to Iran, though he indicated a preference for other options. Trump said, “Sometimes ground operations are necessary, but we have people who will conduct ground operations on our behalf.” Increasing pressure on Tehran to reach a deal, Trump stated that if Iran failed to do so, it would face severe consequences. He said, “You had better make a deal. Otherwise, you will be left with nothing.”

US claims naval blockade in Hormuz has resumed
Trump also mentioned that the US is exercising greater caution to minimize the risk of civilian casualties. He stated, “We are being extremely careful regarding the civilian population. But I have said that you (Iran) had better make a deal. Otherwise, you will be left with nothing.” Earlier in the day, US Central Command had claimed that it had resumed its naval blockade targeting ships moving to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.