Trump raised the stakes, every Iranian attack on shipping in Hormuz would be answered by an American strike on a bridge or power plant. The United States has launched a 12th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, with both nations escalating the conflict by threatening infrastructure critical to civilian life as the battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz intensifies. Washington says its latest attacks are aimed at weakening Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping, while Tehran has vowed an "eye for an eye" response, warning that any strike on Iranian infrastructure will trigger retaliation. Trump issues stark warningPresident Donald Trump dramatically raised the stakes by declaring that every Iranian attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz would be answered by American strikes on bridges or power plants. Posting on social media, Trump warned that any missile, drone or rocket fired at vessels transiting the strategic waterway would result in the destruction of a major piece of Iranian infrastructure. The warning marks one of the toughest public statements yet in the rapidly expanding conflict. US strikes continueU.S. Central Command confirmed it carried out another wave of overnight attacks designed to reduce Iran's military capabilities and restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy routes. Iranian state media reported explosions near Ahvaz, Ramshir and Andimeshk in western Iran, while claiming two civilians were killed in a missile strike near the Iraqi border. Meanwhile, Kuwait said its air defence systems intercepted hostile drones following what it described as Iranian aggression. Iran vows retaliationIranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would adopt an "eye for an eye" strategy. He warned that attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met with a "powerful and decisive response." Iran has already been accused of targeting energy facilities and desalination plants supplying drinking water to Gulf states, while continuing attacks on shipping linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials also insist the vital waterway will never return to its pre-war status and have defended their right to control shipping through the strait. Global economy feels the strainThe conflict is increasingly affecting the global economy. The Strait of Hormuz normally carries around one-fifth of the world's traded oil and gas, and continued disruption has sent energy prices sharply higher. Brent crude has climbed above $93 a barrel, compared with less than $72 before the conflict escalated, while fuel prices continue rising in many countries. Adding to concerns, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement has threatened shipping in the Red Sea, raising fears that another major trade route could be disrupted. Diplomacy remains stalledDespite behind-the-scenes diplomatic contacts involving Pakistan, Turkey and Gulf states, there is little indication that either Washington or Tehran is prepared to back down. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that allowing any country to impose tolls or military control over an international waterway would create a dangerous global precedent. While he said the United States remains open to negotiations, Rubio questioned whether Iran was negotiating in good faith. Nuclear tensions growingTrump has also hinted that the United States could expand the campaign by targeting Iran's deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility near Natanz. The underground complex has remained untouched despite previous American and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear programme. Tehran continues to insist its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, although Western governments remain concerned over Iran's continued enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade levels. As military operations enter their second week with no sign of a ceasefire, the risk of a wider regional conflict—and further shocks to the global economy—continues to grow. SOURCE
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