President Donald Trump said the US “hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran,” reaffirming his administration’s intent to intensify attacks on the country’s infrastructure, as dozens of nations scrambled to restore energy shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Nearly five weeks after the conflict began with a joint US-Israeli aerial strike on 28 February, the war in Iran continues to spread regional instability and disrupt global markets, increasing pressure on Mr Trump to find a resolution.
The president posted on social media late Monday: “The US military hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants,” adding that Iran’s leadership “knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!” He earlier shared video of a US strike on the newly constructed B1 bridge linking Tehran to the northwest suburb of Karaj. Iranian state media reported that eight people were killed and 95 injured in the attack.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi condemned the strikes, saying, “Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender.” Satellite imagery also showed smoke rising from the port on Qeshm Island, located in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping corridor.
Concerns over potential war crimes have intensified. More than 100 US-based international law experts warned that statements by Trump and other officials raise serious questions about violations of international humanitarian law. The experts highlighted a mid-March comment by Trump suggesting strikes “just for fun” and remarks from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth dismissing conventional rules of engagement.
The conflict has triggered alarm over energy security. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil exports, in retaliation for the US-Israeli attacks. Tehran is negotiating a protocol with Oman requiring ships to obtain permits, a plan rejected by the EU, with foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stating, “International law doesn’t recognise pay-to-pass schemes.”
Britain hosted a virtual meeting of around 40 countries to discuss restoring free navigation through the strait, but no concrete agreements emerged. The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on a Bahraini resolution to protect shipping, though China signalled opposition to authorising military action.
The war has inflicted heavy civilian tolls. Thousands have been killed and tens of thousands wounded across the Middle East, while the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warns that medical supplies could run out. Fuel shortages have strained Asian economies and threaten to impact Europe, while a UN report cautioned that Africa could face a cost-of-living crisis if the conflict persists.
Gulf states have refrained from retaliating directly, emphasizing self-defence but aiming to avoid escalation into a broader Middle East war. Kuwait reported that its air defences intercepted missiles and drones twice on Monday alone. The crisis underscores growing global anxiety over Iran’s ability to exert control over energy flows in the region.
