President Donald Trump is intensifying pressure on Iran, hinting at dire consequences if the regime continues to refuse negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump threatened to “blow up and completely obliterate” Iran’s electric grid and oil infrastructure should they fail to engage in peace talks amid rising tensions.
The president noted that the U.S. is currently engaged in “serious discussions with a new, more reasonable regime” and indicated that “great progress had been made.” These statements came just as Wall Street was preparing to open.
However, Trump followed up with a more pointed warning, asserting that if Iran does not reopen this crucial shipping route, their electric generating plants and oil facilities would be targeted, including Kharg Island and potentially all desalination plants.
This threat is significant, as Iran relies heavily on desalination to provide fresh water for its population exceeding 90 million.
It is important to note that under the Geneva Convention, deliberately striking civilian infrastructure that is essential for survival, such as water and power systems, is prohibited.
The heightened rhetoric occurs as Tehran contemplates withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which it has cited as proof of its lack of intent to pursue nuclear weapons.
U.S. intelligence agencies have persistently warned that Iran’s enrichment activities may lead them towards developing a nuclear weapon.
An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson questioned the advantages of remaining in a treaty that, according to them, offers no benefits while enduring international bullying and attacks on their nuclear facilities.
Stocks experienced volatility as market reactions varied. Stock futures rose sharply following Trump’s indications that a deal might be imminent, with Dow futures surging 357 points, an increase of 0.8%.
Simultaneously, oil prices spiked, with Brent crude reaching $115 per barrel and U.S. crude climbing to $101, reflecting a 1.4% gain.
Trump’s tendency to issue market-sensitive statements prior to market openings has not gone unnoticed.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf accused Trump of attempting to manipulate stock movements with his messaging.
“Be warned: Pre-market announcements are often just setups for profit-taking. It’s a reverse indicator; you should do the opposite of what they say,” he remarked on X.
Meanwhile, some military experts are urging caution. Retired General Wesley Clark cautioned that striking Iran’s civilian infrastructure could constitute a legal transgression.
He noted that many power plants serve civilians and targeting such assets could be viewed as a war crime during a NewsNation interview.
As the U.S. deploys thousands of troops to the region due to fears of an expanded conflict, Iran is fortifying its defenses at vital locations like Kharg Island, which is responsible for approximately 90% of its oil exports.
