United States would destroy one Iranian bridge or power plant for every attack by Iran on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz

2026, July 22

Iran

President Donald Trump said today that the United States would destroy one Iranian bridge or power plant for every attack by Iran on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, marking another escalation in his warnings toward Tehran. According to reports, he said the policy would apply to attacks carried out with missiles, rockets, drones, or other weapons and that targets could include infrastructure in or near Tehran.

Background

The threat comes amid:

Ongoing U.S. military strikes on Iranian targets.

Iranian attacks on shipping and military targets in the region.

Continued tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway through which roughly 20% of the world's seaborne oil passes. Disruption there can have major effects on global energy prices and shipping.

Potential implications

If such a policy were implemented, it could:

Further increase the risk of direct military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran.

Raise concerns under international humanitarian law, particularly if civilian infrastructure were targeted.

Increase volatility in oil markets and international shipping, given the importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global trade.

At this stage, Trump's statement is a public warning rather than confirmation that such strikes have been carried out. Iran has not indicated it will accept the warning, and the situation remains highly fluid.