Trump Threatens Iran Power Plants as US Airman Rescued From Downed Jet

President Donald Trump issued strong threats against Iran over the weekend, warning that U.S. forces could strike Iranian power plants and “bring Hell” to the country if Tehran fails to comply with American demands. The warnings followed a successful high-risk rescue operation that extracted a U.S. airman whose F-15E fighter jet was downed over Iran on April 2.

The two-day rescue involved dozens of aircraft and hundreds of special operations personnel who extracted the injured pilot from a mountainous area. Bombs were dropped and Iranian convoys engaged to secure the airman’s safe return. A second crew member from the same aircraft had been rescued the previous day.

Trump renewed his threats in a social media post and an Axios interview, stating he would “blow up everything over there” if Iran refused to negotiate. He also set specific deadlines, including a Monday news conference and a Tuesday evening ultimatum.

Iran rejected the U.S. ultimatum, insisting the Strait of Hormuz would only reopen after full compensation for war-related damages. The country has continued targeting energy infrastructure in the Gulf, including Kuwait’s oil headquarters. Global energy prices have risen sharply as a result of the confrontation.

In the United States, average retail gasoline prices have surpassed four dollars per gallon for the first time since 2022, increasing political pressure ahead of the midterms. Regional actors including Israel have intensified military activity, with strikes on Iranian targets reported.

The rescue operation and subsequent threats have heightened tensions across the Middle East, with significant implications for global energy markets and international trade routes.

Businesses in energy, shipping, and defence sectors are assessing the potential impact of further escalation. The situation remains highly volatile as both sides maintain firm positions.

The successful rescue of the U.S. airman has been hailed as a major operational achievement, yet it has also escalated diplomatic and military pressures in the region.

Overall, President Trump’s latest threats underscore the seriousness with which the United States views developments in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Mintesinot Nigussie