Battle in Hormuz worsening; After total destruction warning Trump mulls ground attack

TEHRAN: As tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump threatened destruction if Iran failed to reach an agreement with the US soon.

“A powerful attack will be carried out against Iran in the next three days. In addition, the US will intensify air strikes next week. The next phase of the attack will target Iran's power plants and bridges.” Trump added that a ground attack is possible soon.

Meanwhile, Trump said the US is monitoring an underground facility called Pickaxe Mountain, known in Farsi as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz, suspected of being part of Iran's nuclear program. Trump warned that if needed US will strike the facility. The goal is to disrupt Iran's ability to threaten international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, attacks on Iran's air defence systems, radar stations, and drone launch sites are continuing for the fifth consecutive day.

Meanwhile, Trump met with US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday. This is part of the military moves to increase pressure on Iran. Meanwhile, the US carried out a 90-minute airstrike in Iran on Wednesday. More than 30 civilians and seven Iranian soldiers were killed. Iran continues to target US military bases in the Gulf with missiles and drones.

Iran warned about disrupting two of the world's most important oil and gas flows if US offensive continues. Tehran also accused the US of trying to incite fringe groups by attacking its military. Iran has attacked a large US warehouse in Kuwait, the KGL warehouse, a military equipment centre in Bahrain, and the Al-Azraq air base in Jordan.

The central government decided to set up special dashboards for the safety of Indian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz. Liaison officers will be appointed for the sailors in an emergency. Currently, 150 sailors are in the region on various ships and tankers. The central intervention comes after an Indian was killed in an Iranian attack on UAE tankers off the coast of Oman the other day.