Escalating US-Iran tensions and renewed threats of expanded strikes deepen the Strait of Hormuz crisis, raising fears of prolonged regional conflict and global economic disruption.
WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump warned Friday that the United States could significantly expand strikes on Iranian infrastructure, saying Washington “hasn’t even started” targeting what remains of Tehran’s facilities as the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz intensifies. Trump made the remarks in a post on his Truth Social platform, suggesting future targets could include bridges and power plants and urging Iran’s leadership to act “fast” to avoid further escalation.
The conflict, now in its fifth week following a joint U.S.-Israeli aerial campaign aimed at reopening the critical waterway, has disrupted energy flows and unsettled global markets. Iran has responded with attacks on regional oil infrastructure, including drone strikes on Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi refinery and other targets, as well as claims of shooting down a second U.S. F-35 jet assertions not immediately confirmed by Washington.
Iranian officials condemned threats to civilian infrastructure, while legal experts in the United States raised concerns about potential violations of international law. Efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the strait have so far yielded limited progress, with the United Nations Security Council poised to consider a resolution to protect shipping lanes amid Chinese opposition to authorizing force.
Oil prices have surged amid fears the Strait of Hormuz could remain closed, raising concerns about broader economic fallout.

