US President Donald Trump warned on local time 8th that the United States would likely launch a strong attack against Iran that night, stating at a NATO summit in Ankara that Iran violated agreements daily and attacked two ships after a funeral ceasefire. Trump explained the previous night's strike destroyed radar systems Iran had rebuilt to 60% completion, forcing them to restart from zero. The statements came amid escalating US-Iran tensions over Tehran's nuclear program and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Threatens Infrastructure Destruction and Kharg Island Seizure
Trump stated the US has not attacked "the highest level targets" such as bridges, warning "we can bring them down if we want to." He assessed "I think we could bring down every bridge in Iran in one day" and added "there's nothing they can do about it." The president threatened power generation facilities, stating "if necessary, we will remove those too," though expressing reluctance. Trump emphasized "someday we might take Kharg Island" and repeated "we could seize Kharg Island. They have absolutely no way to stop it." Kharg Island serves as Iran's oil export hub. Trump also mentioned desalination facilities as potential targets while calling such strikes "the attack I least want to carry out."
US Considers Resuming Naval Blockade Against Iran
Trump left open the possibility of reimposing a naval blockade on Iran, stating "if necessary, we could implement a blockade again" with the blockade applying "only to Iran." He explained "other countries can of course transit as they wish" and predicted Iran "will try to lay some mines if they can, but it won't be easy." Trump claimed "we have already removed most of the mines" while anticipating Iran "will probably lay mines again. They are evil people." He reported NATO is sending mine-clearing vessels to the region.
Trump Expresses Pessimism on Iran Negotiations
Trump stated special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner will continue negotiations with Iran, but expressed "I don't see possibility from them." He explained "I've lived my whole life negotiating. I don't see it. I don't see it (agreement) from them," warning "there might be a big attack. And it will destroy a lot of things." Trump criticized Iran for saying "they want an agreement, but actually they don't." He contrasted this with optimism on Russia-Ukraine peace, stating "it will happen" because "the president (Zelensky) wants to end this" and "I believe President Putin also wants to end this."
FAQ
What did Trump warn about Iran on local time 8th?
Trump warned at a NATO summit in Ankara that the US would likely launch a strong attack against Iran that night, following a previous night's strike that destroyed radar systems Iran had rebuilt to 60% completion.
What infrastructure targets did Trump threaten in Iran?
Trump threatened bridges (claiming ability to destroy all Iranian bridges in one day), power generation facilities, Kharg Island (Iran's oil export hub), and mentioned desalination facilities as potential targets if necessary.
What did Trump say about negotiations with Iran?
Trump stated Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will continue negotiations but expressed pessimism, saying "I don't see possibility from them" and criticizing Iran for claiming to want agreement while not actually pursuing one.
