Trump Threatens Strikes on Iran Infrastructure as Hormuz Tensions Escalate

April 19 — Trump said in a social media post that "Iran fired shots yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz," calling it "a complete violation of our ceasefire agreement." He claimed multiple weapons were aimed at a French vessel and a British cargo ship, adding that U.S. representatives will travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, arriving tomorrow evening for negotiations. Trump also referenced Iran's recent announcement to close the Strait of Hormuz, arguing the closure is costing Iran "$500 million per day" while "the United States suffers no losses." He said shipping flows are shifting toward U.S. ports including Texas, Louisiana and Alaska, attributing the outcome to actions by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Trump said the U.S. has offered a "fair and reasonable" deal and warned that if Iran does not accept it, the United States would "destroy every power plant and every bridge in Iran." He added that he would be prepared to take steps he says prior presidents should have taken over the past 47 years, and called for ending what he described as Iran's "killing machine." Separately, PolyBeats monitoring showed on prediction market Polymarket the implied probability of the next U.S.-Iran diplomatic meeting taking place before the 20th (Monday) at 29%, before the 21st (Tuesday) at 77%, and before the 22nd (Wednesday) at 91%.