Iran war: Trump threatens to destroy Iranian power plants if uranium enriched

Muhammad Asghar | GlobalBeat

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump warned he would order strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities if Tehran pursues uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels.

“If they enrich, they get obliterated,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday. “The nuclear plants get blown up.”

The former president’s remarks came as tensions escalated following Iran’s announcement that it would expand uranium enrichment after Washington tightened sanctions. The Islamic Republic already enchants uranium to 60% purity, near weapons-grade levels.

Reactions

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani dismissed Trump’s comments as “election rhetoric” during a briefing in Tehran. “Such threats reflect bankruptcy of American foreign policy,” Kanaani said.

Israeli officials welcomed the strong rhetoric. An unnamed senior Israeli diplomat told GlobalBeat that “clear red lines” on Iranian nuclear activity benefit regional stability. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on Trump’s statement.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned against “escalatory statements” during a press conference in Brussels. “Military threats complicate diplomatic efforts,” Borrell said.

Democratic lawmakers criticized Trump’s approach. Senator Chris Murphy said on social media that “threatening war crimes is not foreign policy.” Murphy referenced international laws protecting civilian nuclear infrastructure.

Military Details

Military analysts questioned the feasibility of Trump’s proposed strikes. Retired US Air Force General David Deptula said destroying Iran’s nuclear program would require “hundreds of sorties over weeks.”

“Iran learned from Iraq and Syria,” Deptula said. “They’ve dispersed and buried facilities across multiple sites.”

Iran’s nuclear infrastructure includes the Natanz enrichment facility, Fordow underground plant, and Arak heavy water reactor. The International Atomic Energy Agency monitors these sites under the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump abandoned in 2018.

US Central Command maintains extensive air power across the Middle East including stealth bombers in Qatar and aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf. Any strikes would risk Iranian retaliation against American bases and Gulf allies.

Economic Impact

Oil prices surged 3% following Trump’s comments. Brent crude reached $93 per barrel before retreating. Traders priced in potential supply disruptions from Persian Gulf tensions.

“Markets hate uncertainty about Iranian oil,” said Helima Croft, head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets. The Strait of Hormuz carries 20% of global oil supplies.

Iranian currency, the rial, weakened to 590,000 per dollar on unofficial markets. Citizens rushed to buy hard currency according to Tehran exchange dealers.

Diplomatic Response

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized current administration policy differs from Trump’s approach. “We’re using diplomacy to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons,” Sullivan told reporters.

Sullivan noted President Biden prefers a “longer and stronger” nuclear agreement to Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign. Talks on reviving the 2015 deal stalled in 2022.

China called for restraint on all sides. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning urged “dialogue and consultation” during Beijing’s daily briefing.

Timeline

Tensions escalated Monday when Treasury announced new sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports. Iran responded Tuesday by ordering its nuclear agency to expand enrichment capacity.

Iranian nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami said Tehran would activate “new-generation centrifuges” at Natanz. These machines enrich uranium faster than older models.

Trump made his threat during a campaign stop in New Hampshire. He previously ordered the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

Casualties

No violence occurred following Trump’s statement. Previous US-Iran confrontations killed hundreds including General Soleimani and Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.

Iran’s 2019 missile attack on Iraqi bases housing US troops caused traumatic brain injuries to 110 American service members. No deaths resulted from that retaliation for Soleimani’s killing.

Background

Iran’s nuclear program began in the 1950s with American assistance under the Shah. The Islamic Republic restarted efforts after the 1979 revolution, claiming peaceful purposes.

Israel and Western intelligence agencies accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons. Tehran denies seeking atomic bombs while citing Israel’s undeclared arsenal and mutual deterrence.

What’s Next

The UN nuclear watchdog meets next week to discuss Iran’s expanded enrichment. Diplomatic sources say European powers might trigger dispute resolution mechanisms from the 2015 agreement.

Israeli officials privately discuss potential military options while awaiting US election results. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visits Washington next month for strategic talks.

Iranian leaders calculate their nuclear timeline through 2024. Intelligence estimates suggest Tehran could produce weapons-grade uranium within weeks of political decision.

Trump continues campaigning on tough Iran rhetoric as Republican primaries approach. His main rival Nikki Haley also promises military action if Iran approaches nuclear capability.