Tehran has vowed that “not a single drop of oil” will leave the region as long as “US evil” persists
US President Donald Trump has threatened to expand attacks to civilian infrastructure next week if Iran refuses to bow to his demands, as Tehran vowed its forces will stand firm “until their last breath.”
The US Central Command reimposed the naval blockade of all vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports on Tuesday evening after launching yet another round of what Washington describes as “defensive strikes” against the Islamic Republic.
Trump said the strikes would continue until he personally decides “it’s enough,” promising that “next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges.”
The escalation comes as the two sides vie for control of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for some 20% of global crude oil trade. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that “as long as American mischief exists in the region, not a single drop of oil or gas will be exported.”
In retaliation for the ongoing US strikes, the IRGC claimed to have carried out attacks on several US military facilities in the region, including “weapons storage depots, a satellite communications center,” and the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Iranian military spokesman Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akraminia insisted on Tuesday that the country’s forces would stand firm “until their last breath.”
Trump formally notified Congress last week that Washington had resumed what he described as “defensive” strikes against Iran. He also claimed that Washington was “taking over” the Strait of Hormuz and would charge vessels “20% on all cargo shipped,” but later walked back the proposal, instead requesting “massive investments” from regional allies.
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