Trump threatens to "destroy one bridge or power plant" every time Iran hits ships in Strait of Hormuz

Trump Warns of Retaliatory Strikes if Iran Targets Ships in Strait of Hormuz

By ZongoPlus News Desk | July 23, 2026

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States should respond with force if Iran attacks commercial or military vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that retaliatory strikes should target critical Iranian infrastructure.

Speaking on the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Trump said that for every ship allegedly hit by Iran, the United States should consider striking "one bridge or power plant" inside Iran. His remarks have reignited debate over how Washington should respond to maritime threats in one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

Trump's Proposal

Trump argued that attacks on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz should trigger swift and decisive retaliation, claiming that targeting infrastructure would serve as a deterrent against future attacks.

His comments come amid renewed concerns over security in the Gulf, where shipping routes have faced heightened risks because of regional tensions.

Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A significant share of globally traded crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the narrow waterway every day.

Any disruption to shipping in the strait can have immediate consequences for:

Global oil prices

Energy supplies

International trade

Financial markets

Analysts warn that prolonged instability in the region could increase transportation costs and fuel inflation worldwide.

Mixed Reactions

Trump's remarks have drawn differing responses.

Supporters argue that a strong military response would discourage attacks on international shipping and reinforce freedom of navigation.

Critics, however, caution that striking civilian infrastructure such as bridges or power plants could significantly escalate the conflict, raise humanitarian concerns, and increase the risk of a broader regional war. They contend that diplomatic efforts and coordinated international action remain essential alongside any security measures.

Regional Tensions Remain High

The comments come as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to dominate global headlines. Governments and international organizations are closely monitoring developments, while shipping companies remain alert to potential security risks in the Gulf.

Energy markets are also watching the situation closely, as any escalation involving the Strait of Hormuz could affect oil supplies and prices around the world.

Conclusion

Trump's proposal underscores the increasingly heated rhetoric surrounding the Middle East crisis. Whether such an approach would be adopted by U.S. policymakers remains uncertain, but the comments have added to the broader debate over how best to protect international shipping while avoiding a wider conflict.

As the situation evolves, governments and markets alike will be watching for signs of either further escalation or renewed diplomatic engagement.