Iran War Day 39: Trump Threatens Total Infrastructure Strike, Dismisses War Crime Concerns

The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran entered its 39th day amid intensified rhetoric, ongoing strikes and mounting international concern. US President Donald Trump said he was “not at all” worried about potential war crimes as he reiterated his ultimatum to Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening. He warned that failure to comply could result in widespread destruction of Iran’s infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, stating that the country could be “taken out in one night.”

At the same time, Israel expanded pressure on Iran, with its military issuing a rare public warning in Persian urging civilians to avoid using trains or approaching railway lines, saying such actions could endanger their lives. The message specified a time window until 21:00 local time, signaling the possibility of imminent strikes targeting transport infrastructure.

The Israeli military also confirmed a new wave of airstrikes targeting what it described as Iranian regime infrastructure in Tehran and other regions. Shortly afterward, Iran launched missiles toward Israel, prompting the activation of Israeli air defense systems. In parallel, Israeli forces reported strikes on three airports in Tehran, hitting aircraft and helicopters.

Iran has rejected a proposed 45-day ceasefire, instead insisting on a permanent end to hostilities. According to Iranian state media, Tehran presented a 10-point response through diplomatic channels, outlining demands that include guarantees against future attacks, the lifting of sanctions, reconstruction efforts and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have also indicated that any agreement must include broader regional de-escalation.

The fighting continues to have a wider regional impact. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted seven ballistic missiles targeting its eastern region, with debris falling near energy infrastructure. In Iraq’s Kurdistan region, explosions were reported near Erbil airport, which hosts personnel from the US-led coalition.

In Gaza, the humanitarian situation worsened further. The World Health Organization suspended medical evacuations through the Rafah crossing after one of its contractors was killed. Separately, at least 10 people died in an Israeli strike near a school sheltering displaced civilians in central Gaza, according to local health officials.

On the diplomatic front, efforts to halt the conflict remain uncertain. The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, although the proposal has reportedly been weakened after opposition from China to authorizing the use of force. Mediation attempts continue through several countries, but no breakthrough has been achieved so far.

Global markets are reacting to the escalating tensions. Oil prices climbed sharply, with US crude surpassing 5 per barrel and Brent trading around 1, reflecting fears over disruptions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. The head of the International Monetary Fund warned that the conflict could lead to higher inflation and slower global economic growth, as energy costs continue to rise.

Meanwhile, Israel said it had struck Iran’s largest petrochemical complex, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming the facility had been destroyed as part of a broader effort to weaken the financial base of the Revolutionary Guards. The group also confirmed the death of its intelligence chief, Maj Gen Majid Khademi, in recent strikes.

Warnings from international organizations have also intensified. The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross cautioned that threats against civilian infrastructure must not become normalized, stressing that warfare without limits is incompatible with international law.