Trump Threatens Infrastructure Strikes as Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz

President Trump intensified his threats against Iran, warning that the US could demolish every bridge and power plant if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by an 8 p.m. ET Tuesday deadline.

Trump acknowledged the competing pressures of pursuing diplomacy and waging war: I don't know if we're winding down or escalating.

Al Jazeera

The war had already killed more than 3,400 people across the Middle East, including 1,900 in Iran.

Pentagon bombers were targeting two of Iran's largest power plants: Damavand near Tehran and Neka on the Caspian Sea.

Experts warned such attacks would likely be illegal under international law.

Iran retaliated by declaring the Strait of Hormuz closed to US and allied shipping.

Iranian missiles struck Dubai's main airport, killing at least four people and causing extensive damage.

Al Jazeera

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Trump had rick-rolled the world.

Ordinary Iranians grappled with the looming reality of Trump's threats.

An Iranian official called on youths to form human chains around power plants.

Diplomatic efforts to end the war continued but remained fraught.

Iran rejected a US proposal for a temporary ceasefire and conveyed the need for a permanent end to the war with demands to lift sanctions.

The interception of a Norwegian-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz added risk to the shipping lane.

Legal experts warned that strikes on civilian infrastructure could constitute war crimes.

The American Enterprise Institute described Trump’s approach as a reckless gamble.