Trump Threatens to Destroy Iran’s Bridges, Power Plants

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on April 19 that the United States would “knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran” if Tehran refuses a proposed deal by April 22. The comment came after Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats fired on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The April 18 incident involved gunboats reportedly firing on at least two commercial ships, including vessels linked to France and the United Kingdom. Marine traffic records showed no ships crossing the strait by Sunday. Iranian authorities reasserted control over the waterway and turned back oil tankers flagged to Botswana and Angola.

Iran described the continuing U.S. naval blockade of its ports as an act of aggression. The White House has said the blockade, imposed around April 12, will remain in place until Iran accepts a “100% complete” deal. U.S. officials estimate Iran is losing about $500 million per day in oil revenue because of the restricted passage.

A Pakistan-brokered ceasefire that took effect on April 7 required Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and to stop attacks on commercial shipping. Iranian officials briefly signaled they would reopen the waterway under those terms before reversing course on April 18. Both governments now accuse the other of violating the agreement.

U.S. negotiators are returning to Islamabad for further talks expected Monday evening as the April 22 deadline approaches. U.S. officials have said military options remain available if the talks do not produce an agreement.

The dispute centers on Iran’s nuclear program and regional activity. The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported Iran is enriching uranium near weapons-grade levels and has built a stockpile analysts say could be sufficient for multiple weapons.

The Trump administration’s negotiating demands include zero enrichment, dismantlement of facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan, and an end to Iran’s support for proxy groups. Iran argues it has a right to enrichment for civilian uses and seeks sanctions relief and security guarantees.

Direct military confrontations escalated in mid-2025 after Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military sites during what was called the Twelve-Day War and U.S. forces joined strikes on Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. A temporary ceasefire followed. On Feb. 28, 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched renewed strikes during which Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed. Iran then moved to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Oil markets and global shipping operators are monitoring the Islamabad talks and the April 22 deadline. If negotiators do not reach an agreement by that date, U.S. officials have indicated additional military steps could be taken.