Trump Warns Iran: Power Plants, Oil Wells, Kharg at Risk if Hormuz Blocked

Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday issued a stark warning to Iran, saying the United States could target the country’s electric plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed amid rising tensions in the region. Trump made the remarks in a post on Truth Social, emphasizing what he described as retribution for past Iranian actions against U.S. personnel.

Trump also claimed that the United States is engaged in discussions with a “new and more reasonable regime” to end their military operations in Iran. He did not provide specifics on who these discussions involve, and Iran has repeatedly denied any direct contact with Trump or his administration, stating that there has been no formal dialogue even through intermediaries.

In his post, Trump wrote, “Great progress has been made but, if for any reason, a deal is not reached shortly, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately ‘Open for Business,’ we will conclude our lovely stay in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!).” The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and has reportedly been closed by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

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Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei responded by denying any direct negotiations with the U.S., describing American demands as “excessive” and “unreasonable.” He emphasized that regional calls to end the conflict are welcome but stressed that Iran did not participate in forums where Pakistan mediated. “US diplomacy flips constantly; our stance is clear,” Baghaei said.

Earlier statements from U.S. officials also suggest a desire to limit long-term involvement in the region. On Friday, Vice President JD Vance indicated in a podcast interview that the U.S. aims to conclude its presence in Iran soon, citing the goal of lowering fuel prices at home. Trump’s repeated threats in recent weeks have included warnings to obliterate Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened within specified deadlines, prompting reciprocal threats from Tehran regarding regional electricity infrastructure and maritime security.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt last week echoed Trump’s hardline stance, warning that the former president “does not bluff” and asserting that U.S. military capabilities could be deployed with unprecedented force. Analysts caution that the escalating rhetoric heightens risks of confrontation in a strategically sensitive region critical for global energy supply, while both sides continue to exchange conflicting statements regarding diplomatic engagement.

Also Read: Iranian Embassy Clarifies Claims of $2 Million Hormuz Transit Fee Are False