Iran threatens to block more trade routes as US launches fresh strikes

Iran has threatened to block further trade routes in the region as the US launches a new wave of attacks on military targets.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the US puts an end to its “aggressive actions” and other regional oil and gas export channels may also be closed.

The warning came after the US military’s Central Command (Centcom) said it launched drone, air and sea strikes on Iran on Wednesday morning, in addition to a seven-hour operation overnight.

US President Donald Trump said that if Iran does not return to negotiations, they will hit Iran’s bridges and power plants next week.

“I’ll save the energy goals for last, but eventually we’ll get to the energy goals,” Trump said in an interview with Bret Baier on the Special Report released Tuesday night.

The increase in rhetoric came after Trump said that the 20 percent tax he threatened to impose on the Strait of Hormuz would be replaced by “major” trade and investment agreements with Gulf countries.

The renewed US blockade of Iranian ports on Tuesday evening stopped the passage of ships to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.

In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned the United States that it should “expect the closure of other oil and gas export routes that serve the interests of the United States and its allies.” No detailed information was given about which routes might be affected.

Meanwhile, Iran’s state broadcaster reported that the country’s army carried out separate attacks on US targets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain.

US allies also said they had intercepted drones and missiles launched from Iran.