Trump plans for 'Iran without energy'
Washington – Agencies: The likelihood of a renewed war in the Middle East has escalated, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to strike Iran “with great force” until it reaches a point of surrender. This comes amid conflicting reports of intensive attacks involving Israeli participation, specifically targeting energy infrastructure, alongside a plan to deepen Iran’s economic crisis by imposing a land blockade. (See page 12.)
During a Cabinet meeting at the Camp David resort in Maryland, Trump said, “We will hit them with great force, and as you know, at some point they will say, ‘We can’t take it anymore.’”
The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed U.S. officials as saying that Trump has ordered a new attack aimed at forcing Tehran to surrender, which could begin today. Meanwhile, CBS News reported that the United States and Israel are planning joint strikes on Iranian energy facilities, potentially targeting oil refineries and power generation plants. CBS quoted multiple unnamed sources stating that the president has not yet given the green light for the bombing campaign, and two officials warned that it might be canceled.
In an additional sign of rising tensions, U.S. embassies in the Middle East warned their citizens of an “unexpected escalation” in the war and urged them to prepare to leave.
In response, Iranian forces accused the United States yesterday of “escalating tensions,” warning regional countries against cooperating with Washington. Tehran also hinted at tightening restrictions on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and expanding them to cover other routes. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned that “the global economy, the energy market, and American voters will pay the price,” according to his claims.
In London, The Telegraph revealed that the United States and Israel are considering imposing a land blockade on Iran, as part of a range of options discussed by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to increase economic pressure on Tehran. According to the newspaper, the potential plan involves pressuring Iran’s neighboring countries and regional partners to tighten controls on border crossings or close them, thereby restricting the movement of Iranian imports and exports.
