Trump renews threat to Iran’s power plants as war escalates

GLOBAL tensions surrounding the ongoing Iran war intensified on Monday as U.S. President Donald Trump renewed threats to target Iran’s critical infrastructure, including power plants, even as he suggested a potential diplomatic resolution could emerge soon.

The latest escalation comes amid rising oil prices, which have surged sharpMiddle ly in response to growing fears of a wider regional conflict and disruptions to global energy supply.

Despite floating the possibility of a deal, Trump has maintained a hardline stance, warning of further military action against Iranian assets. His remarks come as Tehran continues to downplay the chances of a near-term diplomatic breakthrough, according to US-based CBS News.

U.S. ramps up military presence

Meanwhile, the United States has significantly increased its military footprint in the Middle East, deploying hundreds of elite special operations forces, including Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, alongside thousands of Marines and paratroopers.

The deployments are said to provide Washington with multiple strategic options, ranging from reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz to potentially seizing Iranian oil infrastructure such as Kharg Island, a key export terminal, or securing Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

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Iran has responded with strong warnings, vowing to confront U.S. troops if they enter the region, and threatening long-term retaliation against American allies.

Regional attacks intensify

Hostilities across the region have also deepened. Iran and its allied groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi movement in Yemen, have continued launching missiles and drones at Israeli and Gulf targets.

Explosions were reported near oil infrastructure in Haifa on Monday, highlighting the growing risk to energy facilities and further fueling volatility in oil markets.

Nuclear treaty under review

In a potentially significant development, Iran is reviewing its membership in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a cornerstone global agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.

Iran’s foreign ministry said the review reflects growing domestic debate over whether remaining in the treaty serves the country’s interests, particularly as it faces increasing military and economic pressure.

Tehran has long maintained that its nuclear programme is strictly for civilian purposes, but both the U.S. and Israel have accused it of pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities, claims that have been central to justifying the current conflict.

President Trump has insisted that any agreement to end the war would require Iran to completely halt uranium enrichment, a demand Iranian officials have rejected as excessive.

Tensions spill into Europe

Meanwhile, the conflict’s ripple effects are being felt beyond the Middle East. French authorities are investigating a suspected pro-Iranian link to a foiled bomb attack outside a Bank of America building in Paris.

Officials say the suspected group bears similarities to networks behind recent incidents in the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as an arson attack in London targeting vehicles linked to a Jewish charity.

READ ALSO: Iran sets fresh terms for ceasefire after rejecting Trump-backed proposal

Shipping disruptions show signs of easing

There were, however, tentative signs of easing tensions in global shipping routes. Iran appeared to allow some cargo vessels, including previously blocked Chinese ships, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway remains a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, and any sustained disruption could have far-reaching consequences for energy markets and the global economy.

As military posturing intensifies and diplomatic prospects remain uncertain, the conflict continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability and global energy security.