- President Trump has threatened that the US would destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant any time its forces attack a ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
- This threat follows the US launching strikes on Iran for the 11th consecutive night, aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping.
- The price of oil has breached $95 a barrel for the first time in six weeks, reaching $95.16.
- The number of vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to three on Tuesday, down from four on Monday.
- Iran and the US had previously agreed to a ceasefire in April, but hostilities resumed last week.
- Houthi rebels have threatened to blockade Saudi ports, prompting two tankers to divert from Yanbu to the Suez Canal.
President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that the US will retaliate by destroying an Iranian bridge or power plant for each attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This threat was made via a post on Truth Social, where Trump emphasized that the military response would follow any form of attack, including missiles, rockets, or drones.16
The US military has been actively engaged in strikes against Iran for the 11th consecutive night, targeting various sites including aircraft hangars and drone storage facilities. US Central Command (Centcom) noted that these strikes aim to degrade Iran's capability to threaten commercial shipping in the vital waterway.23
In response to the escalating tensions, oil prices have surged, reaching $94 per barrel, with Brent crude hitting its highest point in six weeks. Iranian state media reported that air defenses were activated in Tehran, and the country has been accused of attacking over 30 commercial vessels in the Strait over the past three months.
Trump's threats extend beyond Iran, as he also mentioned the Houthi rebels in Yemen, warning that he would take action if they attempted to blockade Saudi ports. This geopolitical tension has led to a decrease in the number of vessels transiting the Strait, with only three crossing on a recent Tuesday, down from four the previous day. Experts warn that allowing a nation to control an international waterway could set a dangerous precedent.89
“Oil prices breached $95 a barrel for the first time in six weeks as Brent crude rose 4.6%. Trump also threatened to 'take care of' Houthi rebels if they blockaded Saudi ports, prompting two tankers to divert from Yanbu to the Suez Canal.”
BBC
The Guardian
