Waltz Says All Options on Table for Bombing Iran's Power Plants

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Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Sunday that "all options should be on the table" for the president, including bombing Iran's power plants, after President Trump threatened to "hit and obliterate" Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours. Waltz argued that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps controls much of Iran's critical infrastructure, making it a legitimate military target. However, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned last week that attacks on energy infrastructure from either side could constitute war crimes.

Why it matters

The threat to bomb Iran's power plants raises concerns about potential escalation of the conflict and the targeting of civilian infrastructure, which could be considered war crimes under international law. It also highlights the geopolitical tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint.

The details

Waltz said "all options should be on the table and the president's made that very clear" in response to Trump's threat to destroy Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours. Waltz argued that since the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps controls much of Iran's critical infrastructure, including its economy and governing institutions, targeting that infrastructure would be a legitimate military action. However, UN Secretary-General Guterres warned last week that attacks on energy infrastructure from either side could constitute war crimes.

• President Trump posted the threat on Truth Social late Saturday night.
• UN Secretary-General Guterres issued the warning about potential war crimes last week.

What they’re saying

What’s next

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