Former US President Donald Trump has issued a renewed escalation warning against Iran, outlining a phased targeting strategy beginning with bridges and followed by power generation facilities. He stated that US forces have not yet initiated the full scope of destruction against what remains of Iran.
In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump declared: “Our military, the greatest and most powerful anywhere in the world, has not yet begun destroying what remains of Iran. Bridges are next, then power stations. The new regime leadership knows what must be done, and it must be done quickly.”
Strategic Messaging and Political Pressure
Earlier remarks attributed to Trump indicated that Iran is seeking an agreement to end the conflict. He described Iranians as resilient and capable of enduring significant hardship, while suggesting they are more effective negotiators than fighters, according to reporting by Time Magazine.
Advisers close to Trump reportedly warned that prolonging the war could negatively impact his political standing. At the same time, a senior US defence source indicated that recent Iranian attacks on American and Israeli targets across the region came as a surprise to the US Secretary of Defence.
In contrast, a spokesperson for the US Department of Defence maintained that Iranian actions have not caught the United States off guard, asserting that US forces remain prepared, superior, and in control of the situation.
Military Escalation and Operational Timeline
Trump reiterated his intention to push Iran “back to the Stone Age”, signalling that military operations could continue within the previously stated timeframe of two to three weeks. He emphasised that the United States is progressing towards completing its core military objectives and expects results in the near term.
He also claimed that Iran no longer represents a significant threat, stating that the United States holds decisive leverage. “We have all the cards; they have none. We can strike their oil,” he said, while confirming that discussions are ongoing.
Trump further asserted that once the conflict concludes, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen under normal conditions, adding that the United States does not rely on the waterway and will not require it in the future.
Economic Implications and Energy Narrative
On the economic front, Trump downplayed concerns over rising fuel prices, describing recent increases as temporary. He attributed fluctuations in global energy markets to Iranian attacks on oil tankers, holding Tehran fully responsible for the disruption.
He also called on countries dependent on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to assume responsibility for securing the maritime route, reinforcing a broader shift in burden-sharing expectations.
Trump concluded by asserting that Iran has suffered a comprehensive defeat across military, economic, and structural dimensions, claiming that most of the country has already been destroyed and that remaining objectives will be easier to achieve. He reiterated that Iran cannot be trusted under any circumstances to possess nuclear weapons and stated that the United States is close to finalising its mission.
