US-Iran Strikes Enter Fifth Day as Trump Warns of Power Plant Targets

US and Iran exchanged military strikes for a fifth consecutive day as President Trump warned that escalating targets including power plants and bridges could be hit next week unless Iran returns to negotiations, according to ZeroHedge. The Pentagon announced a seven-hour wave of strikes beginning at 6 a.m. ET Wednesday designed to degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran's IRGC launched retaliatory strikes targeting US military facilities across the Gulf region, including bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.

Key takeaways
US Central Command launched a seven-hour wave of strikes on Iran beginning Wednesday morning, marking the fifth consecutive day of military action according to the source.
President Trump warned that power plants and bridges will be targeted next week unless Iran negotiates, stating "next week it gets really bad for them."
Iran's government spokesperson reported at least 30 civilian deaths and over 260 wounded from US strikes, while Iranian forces struck US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The IRGC stated that "export of oil and gas from the region will be either for everyone or for no one," signaling continued defiance despite US pressure.

Table of Contents
What happened
Escalation warnings and negotiation pressure
Iranian retaliation across Gulf facilities
Strategic targets and infrastructure damage
What to watch next

What happened

The Pentagon announced Wednesday morning that US Central Command forces began launching an additional round of strikes against Iran at 6 a.m. ET, continuing a sustained military campaign that entered its fifth consecutive day. The strikes targeted Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the source. The US military indicated the overnight operation lasted seven hours and represented a continuation of efforts to degrade Iranian military infrastructure.

Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced that at least 30 civilians have been killed across the country and over 260 people wounded by American strikes over the last few days, according to the source. One strike targeted a barracks for Iran's 388th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Sistan and Baluchestan province, with Iranian state television reporting that the Americans fired at least 13 missiles in the attack. The report stated that seven dead included conscripts and career soldiers, with a number of troops wounded.

Escalation warnings and negotiation pressure

President Trump warned in a pre-recorded Fox News interview that if Iran does not return to the negotiating table, "next week it gets really bad for them, because next week comes the power plants." The source quoted Trump stating: "You better make a deal, or you're not going to have anything left. Ultimately, we'll hit energy targets in Iran. Next week comes the bridges. We're going to knock out all of their power plants. We'll knock out all of their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate."

Trump also stated that US officials spoke to Iran on Tuesday and told Iran that it better make a deal, according to the source. He said strikes will continue until he says it is enough, and that they will save energy targets for last. When pressed by Fox News about taking Kharg Island, Trump responded: "We already hit Kharg Island, as you know, twice. Even three times. I said hit everything but just leave that little area from 25 yards out because I don't want that in terms of the world economy." The source reported Trump added that if the US degrades Iran far enough and deep enough back, he would consider taking the island.

Iranian retaliation across Gulf facilities

Iran's IRGC launched retaliatory strikes targeting critical US military infrastructure across the Gulf region, according to the source. The list of targets hit included Bahrain's Sheikh Isa Air Base, the US Navy's 5th Fleet support facility, Kuwait's Ali Al-Salem and Camp Buehring, and Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. The IRGC said it targeted enemy weapons and parts storage in Bahrain and Kuwait, a drone ramp in Kuwait's Ali Al Salem air base, and US positions at Jordan's Azraq base, as well as the US Fifth Fleet Command HQ, fuel facilities and equipment in Bahrain.

Emirati sources reported strikes on the critical Fujairah Port, while Kuwait confirmed one of its navy vessels was struck, leaving four crew members injured, according to the source. The IRGC stated that as long as the US evil stays in the region, not a drop of oil and gas will be exported from the region, and that US aggression will have no result other than delaying the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Missile alert warnings continued to sound in Bahrain and Kuwait early Wednesday amid the Iranian fire, which has at this point grown to a daily occurrence, the source reported.

Strategic targets and infrastructure damage

Heavy bombardments focused on coastal areas, with US strikes reportedly hitting a civilian maritime control tower in Chabahar, southern Iran, according to the source. Chabahar is strategically critical for Iran as the country's only deep-water port outside the Strait of Hormuz, giving Iran direct access to the Indian Ocean without passing through the Gulf. Explosions were heard in the maritime area of eastern Hormozgan and Sirik, while explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas and Hengam Island, the source reported.

Explosions were also heard in Bampur and Chabahar in Iran, although Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim noted officials denied reports of explosions in Chabahar, according to the source. Explosions were reported in Iran's port city of Bandar Imam Khomeini, and a mineral water plant in Deloran was hit by three projectiles. The source reported that air defences around the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran became active, and video showed a US air strike which destroyed an Iranian 35 mm Samavat anti-aircraft gun stationed to protect the Bushehr nuclear powerplant.

For readers following broader market updates , military escalation involving energy infrastructure and shipping routes can influence commodity markets and regional economic stability, though specific market reactions were not detailed in the available source context.

What to watch next

Iranian forces show no signs of backing down, with a message from its army command via state TV stating that "a decisive response to this aggressive action by the American enemy" will keep coming, according to the source. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi said the US is making a mistake if it thinks its military attacks and blockade will force them to request negotiations, but also commented that Iran's return to negotiations and tolerance regarding the Strait of Hormuz is possible. He added that the MoU effectively no longer exists and that no country should expect Iran to continue implementing the terms of the memorandum.

Market readers should monitor future developments including whether Trump follows through on threats to target power plants and bridges next week, any signs of Iranian willingness to negotiate, the status of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and potential impacts on regional energy infrastructure. The source reported that Israeli PM Netanyahu is reportedly to travel to Washington on Saturday evening, aiming to meet with US President Trump, which could add another dimension to regional dynamics. Readers should watch for official statements from both governments, any changes in military posture, and updates on civilian casualties and infrastructure damage as the situation continues to develop.

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