The Unpopular War between the United States and Iran continued to intensify Wednesday.  President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. would destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant every time Iran attacks a ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest escalation comes amid mounting casualties, soaring energy prices, and stalled diplomatic efforts, raising concerns that the conflict could further destabilize the Middle East and disrupt the global economy.

The war has become increasingly controversial both domestically and internationally as military operations expand and economic costs continue to rise.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers this week that the United States has spent an estimated $37.5 billion on the conflict, while benchmark Brent crude climbed to around $94 per barrel, pushing gasoline prices higher.

Trump Issues New Warnings About Unpopular War

In a post on Truth Social, Trump outlined what he described as a direct response policy toward Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.

"From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT."

The statement marked another escalation in U.S. rhetoric as the administration seeks to deter further Iranian attacks on one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

Trump later traveled to Dover Air Force Base to attend the dignified transfer of four American service members killed during the conflict.

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Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most vital maritime corridors. During peacetime, roughly 20% of globally traded oil and natural gas passes through the narrow waterway.

Iranian attacks on commercial shipping have significantly disrupted maritime traffic, affecting energy markets worldwide. Additional threats by Iran-backed Houthi rebels to target shipping in the Red Sea have heightened concerns about global trade routes.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said allowing any nation to effectively control an international waterway through military force would establish a dangerous precedent for other regions.

"If we create a precedent... where a nation state can decide they are going to control an international waterway... we have created a very dangerous precedent."

Unpopular War Military Operations 

The U.S. military carried out another overnight wave of strikes against Iranian targets, including aircraft hangars and drone storage facilities, according to military officials.

Iran reported explosions in several provinces while air defenses were activated over Tehran.

Meanwhile, Jordan said it intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones near Aqaba after missiles crossed its airspace. Missile alerts were also issued in Bahrain, while Saudi Arabia warned residents in Dammam to seek shelter before later declaring the danger had passed.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard vowed its retaliatory operations would continue. Iranian officials reported dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries from recent U.S. strikes.

Diplomacy at a Standstill in Unpopular War

Despite ongoing back-channel communications, there appears to be little progress toward ending the conflict.

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni traveled to Pakistan, which has served as one of several regional mediators attempting to revive negotiations. Iranian officials insisted diplomatic contacts continue, although neither side has announced a breakthrough.

At the same time, the United States has reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports while continuing military operations.

The conflict increasingly centers on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with neither Washington nor Tehran showing signs of backing down.

Questions Surround Iran's Nuclear Program

Trump also suggested the United States could target Pickaxe Mountain, an underground facility near Iran's Natanz nuclear complex that has reportedly remained untouched during previous strikes.

Iran continues to maintain that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.

However, the United States and several Western governments have long argued that Iran previously maintained a nuclear weapons program and remain concerned that it could eventually resume weapons development. Since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement during Trump's first administration, Iran has significantly expanded uranium enrichment, with international inspectors reporting enrichment levels approaching weapons-grade purity.

An Unpopular War and An Uncertain Path Forward

As military operations continue, analysts warn that further attacks on shipping lanes, energy infrastructure, or nuclear facilities could deepen the conflict and increase pressure on global markets.

The ongoing war has already affected fuel prices, regional security, and international shipping. With negotiations stalled and both sides continuing military operations, there is currently no clear timetable for de-escalation.

Related Links

• Associated Press coverage of the conflict
• Latest updates from the Associated Press

• Original Associated Press story