Washington, D.C. 16 Jul (V7N)- U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that American military strikes against Iran could intensify in the coming week, even if Tehran returns to diplomatic negotiations.
In an interview aired by Fox News on Thursday (July 16), Trump said that military operations would continue and indicated that potential targets could include Iranian infrastructure such as power plants and bridges.
Meanwhile, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said that U.S. forces had resumed maritime enforcement measures around Iranian ports and coastal areas at 4 pm on Tuesday. According to the report, more than 20 U.S. Navy vessels and hundreds of military aircraft are currently deployed across the Middle East region.
Amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, India and New Zealand have summoned senior Iranian diplomats over concerns regarding attacks on commercial shipping and escalating regional instability. Both countries urged all sides to reduce tensions and restore stability in the vital waterway.
Separately, a report by Financial Times stated that U.S. military personnel and contractors in the Middle East were targeted in a coordinated phone-tracking campaign before and during the Iran conflict. The report, citing telecommunications data, cybersecurity experts, and officials familiar with the matter, raised concerns over potential security vulnerabilities amid the ongoing confrontation.
The latest developments have heightened fears of further escalation in the Middle East, as military movements, diplomatic pressure, and regional security concerns continue to intensify.
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