Trump Escalates Threats to Decimate Iran’s Power Grid, Bridges as Deadline Nears

Addis Ababa, April 6, 2026 (ENA) —US President Donald Trump has warned that his country could launch devastating strikes on Iran’s infrastructure if a deal is not reached by Tuesday evening, escalating tensions as negotiations continue.

Speaking at a Monday press conference, Trump said Iran has been given an extension to meet U.S. demands, including reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to oil traffic.

The deadline is set for 8:00 p.m. ET (01:00 BST Wednesday).

“If a deal is not reached, every bridge in Iran will be decimated,” Trump said, adding that power plants could also be targeted.

He described the potential operation as rapid and overwhelming, while emphasizing that he hopes military action will not be necessary.

A central US demand is the restoration of “free traffic of oil” through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes.

Trump indicated that negotiations are ongoing and described the current moment as “critical,” though he declined to provide details about a possible ceasefire.

He said the U.S. is engaged with “an active, willing participant” on the Iranian side.

Recent diplomatic efforts include a proposed 45-day ceasefire, which Trump called “a significant step,” though no agreement has been finalized.

The president’s remarks follow several days of shifting messaging on US objectives, ranging from demands on oil transit to broader security concerns, including Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Asked whether attacks on infrastructure could constitute war crimes, Trump responded that he hoped such actions would not be required.

The conflict, now entering its sixth week, has created uncertainty about both its duration and end goals. Trump previously suggested the war could conclude quickly but now says outcomes depend on Iran’s actions.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to rising global energy prices, with US gasoline costs climbing to around 4 USD per gallon in recent days, it was indicated.

The economic impact is becoming a growing concern domestically, particularly as the US approaches midterm elections.

Public opinion polls indicate declining support for the conflict, including among some of Trump’s core supporters.

Despite the costs, Trump reaffirmed his administration’s position on Iran’s nuclear program: “We’re never going to allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” he said, adding that temporary increases in fuel prices would be tolerated to achieve that goal.