The US president has issued a fresh threat to Tehran, warning of imminent strikes on infrastructure
Published 5 Apr, 2026 06:41
| Updated 5 Apr, 2026 13:22
US President Donald Trump © Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
Welcome to RT’s live coverage of the US-Israeli war on Iran, a widening conflict marked by missile and drone exchanges across the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump has issued a new threat to Iran, warning of imminent strikes on key infrastructure while demanding Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!”
The remarks escalate Trump’s recent ultimatums, in which he has threatened to target Iran’s energy and transport infrastructure if the strait is not reopened. The de-facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces has triggered a massive shock to global markets, as approximately 20–25% of the world’s oil and 20% of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) passes through the narrow waterway.
Meanwhile, Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari has declared the US “so-called rescue operation” for a missing F-15 pilot “thwarted,” claiming Iranian forces downed four US aircraft involved in the mission – two C-130 transport planes and two Black Hawk helicopters.
In a televised address, Zolfaghari said the incident exposed “the repeated failures of the US military,” and lashed out at Trump over his “blabbering and deflections,” insisting “the reality on the ground clearly shows the superiority of the Iranian armed forces.” Washington earlier claimed the pilot was successfully rescued, with reports indicating he has been transported to Kuwait.
Separately, criticism is mounting over US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant. A strike on Saturday – the fourth in a month – damaged an auxiliary building and killed a guard. Following condemnation from the IAEA, Russia’s Rosatom and Iranian officials, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned a direct hit “could trigger a nuclear accident” with health impacts that would “devastate generations.”
Here are the latest developments:
- Rosatom says all 198 evacuated staff from Bushehr are safe and expected to cross into Armenia overnight.
- An Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon killed seven people, including a four-year-old girl, bringing the death toll since early March to at least 1,422.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished Christians “a blessed and joyful Easter,” touting Israel’s “unwavering” commitment to religious freedom — amid backlash over blocked Palm Sunday access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and his comparison of Jesus to Genghis Khan.
- Iran struck multiple energy sites in Kuwait, with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation reporting “significant material losses.”
- Iran also said it hit petrochemical and industrial sites in Israel, the UAE and Bahrain, claiming the targets were linked to US economic interests.
Follow our live coverage below for continuous updates. You can also read our previous updates here.
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05 April 2026
14:47 GMT
An Israeli drone production plant in Tel Aviv was destroyed after an Iranian missile carrying a “large warhead” hit the industrial site on Thursday, Ynet Global reports, citing Aero Sol CEO Israel Vaserlauf. The company supplies pilot helmets, bomb components, and drones to the IDF, according to the publication.
'Total loss': Drone factory in Petah Tikva hit by Iranian missileAero Sol CEO Israel Vaserlauf says damage will not allow the factory to resume operations; The damage occurred just two days after Aero Sol was sold to Valorex for about 35 million shekels, but Vaserlauf remains… pic.twitter.com/AQWRb48ek0
— Ynet Global (@ynetnews) April 5, 2026
- 14:27 GMT
The US Central Command has published a short video clip, purportedly depicting the destruction of an Iranian drone in midair.
U.S. forces are taking out attack drones used by the Iranian regime to threaten Americans and indiscriminately target civilians in neighboring countries. pic.twitter.com/T9C2cKFK0V
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 5, 2026
- 14:09 GMT
The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) reports that a rescue vehicle “was completely destroyed following an airstrike” in Fars Province. Aid workers managed to leave the vehicle shortly before the attack, emerging unscathed, the statement said.
“This act, classified as a war crime, occurred despite the Geneva Conventions clearly emphasizing that ambulances must not be targeted,” the IRCS stated.
The group added that since the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran in late February, at least 46 ambulances in the country have come under attack, with four IRCS personnel killed.
A rescue vehicle belonging to the Iranian Red Crescent Society in Sepidan County, Fars Province, was completely destroyed following an airstrike this morning.The #aid_workers, who had exited the vehicle before the fighter jet struck, were not injured and are safe.The Red… https://t.co/4qD0goJBYNpic.twitter.com/mEw28l27CT
— جمعیت هلالاحمر ایران (@Iranian_RCS) April 5, 2026
- 14:07 GMT
The UAE’s air defenses “engaged” nine Iranian ballistic missiles, one cruise missile, and 50 drones on Sunday, the Defense Ministry reports. According to the statement, the attacks did not result in any casualties on the ground.
- 12:38 GMT
In a separate post, Trump celebrated the rescue of a “seriously wounded, and really brave” F-15 crew member from “deep inside the mountains of Iran,” calling it “an AMAZING show of bravery and talent by all.”
He also teased an upcoming press conference with the military to lay out the details, suggesting more self-congratulation may be on the way.
pic.twitter.com/WRAfHDYrdT
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 5, 2026
- 12:31 GMT
Trump has issued a fresh threat to Iran, warning of imminent strikes on key infrastructure while demanding Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fu*kin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah,” he wrote on Truth Social.
The remarks escalate Trump’s recent ultimatums, in which he has threatened to target Iran’s energy and transport infrastructure if the strategic waterway — crucial for global oil shipments — is not reopened.
🇺🇸🇮🇷 Trump goes full unhinged mode on Iran:"Open the Fuckin' Strait, you crazy bastards"Another normal and calm Sunday in Trump World. https://t.co/2MUi2BZAsCpic.twitter.com/5EyEUbBGGl
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 5, 2026
- 11:56 GMT
Rosatom chief Aleksey Likhachev said the company has re-established limited contact with the Iranian nuclear authorities during the ongoing conflict, though exchanges are taking place under “wartime realities” and remain constrained.
Likhachev noted that some counterparts are government-linked figures who could become targets of US-Israeli attacks, complicating coordination.
Likhachev added that Rosatom is ready to share experience from operating nuclear facilities in conflict conditions, citing its work at the Russian-controlled Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. Despite the hostilities, both Moscow and Kiev have at times agreed to temporary ceasefires brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency to allow for critical repairs.
- 11:55 GMT
All 198 evacuated staff from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant are safe and expected to cross into Armenia overnight, according to Rosatom CEO Aleksey Likhachev.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization reported on Saturday that another strike had hit an area near the plant. A projectile landed close to the facility, killing a security guard. Key infrastructure was not damaged.
The International Atomic Energy Agency stated that strikes on nuclear power plant sites and surrounding areas are unacceptable, as they host equipment critical to nuclear safety.
Likhachev stressed that “the absolute priority” is the safety of personnel. He urged all sides to “prevent any aggressive actions” around active nuclear sites.
- 11:55 GMT
A Fox News correspondent has claimed Donald Trump believes he can secure a deal with Iran “as early as tomorrow,” adding that negotiations are allegedly underway.
“I think there’s a good chance tomorrow,” Trump was cited as saying.
Neither Washington nor Tehran has confirmed that talks are currently in progress, despite repeated claims by the US president that negotiations are ongoing.
- 11:55 GMT
Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev has warned that oil prices could surge to $150+ per barrel “within the next two weeks” if the US-Israeli war on Iran continues.
The warning comes amid a sharp market spike, with Brent crude recently climbing above $109 per barrel and WTI topping $111, as fears grow over supply disruptions across the Middle East.
Dmitriev earlier said that prices could even approach $200, arguing “the oil issue is no longer just about the Strait of Hormuz,” but is being driven by attacks on energy infrastructure across the region.
We may see $150+ oil already within the next 2 weeks.
— Kirill Dmitriev (@kadmitriev) April 5, 2026
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05 April 2026
05:48 GMT
The Israeli military has said that the air force struck more than 120 targets across central and western Iran over the past 24 hours, including air defense systems, ballistic missile sites, and drone-related infrastructure.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the targets included missile array positions linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as facilities used for the production and launch of unmanned aerial vehicles.
The IDF said the strikes dismantled air defense systems that posed a threat to its fighter jets and were aimed at maintaining Israeli air superiority over Iran, releasing video footage showing the attacks.
- 06:22 GMT
Massive fire has erupted at Bahrain’s Bapco oil refinery after reported missile and drone strikes, Press TV says, publishing footage purportedly showing the initial impact.
- 06:24 GMT
Iran’s IRGC claims it intercepted and destroyed a US aircraft searching for the pilot of a downed F-15 south of Isfahan. Press TV has released an image purportedly showing the crash site.
IRGC announced that a US aircraft searching for the pilot of the downed F-15 fighter jet was intercepted and destroyed south of Isfahan.Follow: https://t.co/mLGcUTSA3Qpic.twitter.com/21oA6APFVG
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) April 5, 2026
- 06:27 GMT
Iran has condemned US strikes on the B1 bridge and Mahshahr petrochemical plants as “blatant acts of state terrorism” and “war crimes.”
Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, urged the UN to denounce the attacks, accusing the US and Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure.
Iranian Ambassador to the UN Amir-Saeid Iravani. © Getty Images / Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket
- 06:48 GMT
Irish demonstrators have marched in Cork in support of Palestine, Iran, and Lebanon, calling for an end to the war and civilian casualties.
#BREAKING Irish demonstrators in Cork marched in support of Palestine, Iran, and Lebanon, calling for an end to war and civilian casualties. pic.twitter.com/Q57Ophe6mT
— Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) April 5, 2026
- 06:50 GMT
US taxpayers will face soaring gasoline prices for decades as a result of the war, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned, slamming Trump and his administration over the “legacy” they will leave.
SITREP: Battle-tested generals refuse to be yes-men for a TV host selling out American lives for Israel's delusions. That's the short-term price. Long-term cost? American taxpayers paying at the pump for decades. Real LEGACY.
— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 4, 2026
- 06:56 GMT
The Laser and Plasma Research Institute at Tehran’s Shahid Beheshti University has been “completely destroyed” in US-Israeli airstrikes, RT’s Saman Kojouri reports from the scene, saying the facility “had nothing to do” with the military.
“This Laser and Plasma Research Center was involved in scientific activities for peaceful purposes… and had nothing to do with military installations,” Kojouri said.
He added that more than 60 students have been killed so far, with over 30 Iranian universities targeted, saying it’s “unbelievable” that these attacks are occurring “in the age of international law and human rights.”
- 07:12 GMT
Bahrain’s Bapco Energies has confirmed that an oil tank at one of its storage facilities caught fire following an Iranian missile strike, adding that the blaze has since been extinguished.
The company said no injuries were reported and damage is being assessed.
🚨🇧🇭🇮🇷 BREAKING: BAPCO refinery ablaze after Iranian missile strike.The facility recently upgraded to 400,000 barrels per day capacity.Bahrain's entire refining capability is now burning.pic.twitter.com/81GVmClasPhttps://t.co/x3Vjtcvp6J
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 5, 2026
- 07:31 GMT
Clashes broke out in Tel Aviv on Saturday as police moved to disperse protesters opposing the military operation against Iran. Footage shows officers confronting demonstrators, deploying mounted police and pushing crowds back as tensions escalated. Several people were detained while ambulances treated the injured.
Protesters clash with police in Tel Aviv as demonstrations intensify against Israel’s war on Iran and government policy. © RT
The unrest followed a wider wave of protests across Israel against the war and government policy. In Jerusalem, hundreds gathered to call for an end to the war.
A video shows crowds drumming and holding banners reading “Funds for public, not for coalition” and “Stop the war.” Rallies were also reported in Paris, London, Berlin, and New York, where activists called for sanctions and an end to the war.
Hundreds rally in Jerusalem calling for an end to Israel’s war on Iran, with protesters chanting and holding banners urging a shift toward diplomacy. © RT
- 07:33 GMT
Members of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Haredi community have staged a protest outside a Jerusalem recruitment office, Shetah News reports.
The demonstrators oppose a new draft policy ending their long-standing exemption from military service. Local media reported that, with the IDF stretched by the wider regional escalation, the government has moved to enforce the draft, prompting Haredi leaders to denounce it as a “war on religion.”
חרדים קיצונים מפגינים מחוץ ללשכת הגיוס בירושלים: "גזירת הגיוס היא גזירת שמד" "התגייסות לצבא השמד הוא יהרג ואל יעבור" pic.twitter.com/0eeVJDzkd1
— חדשות 100שטח (@100shetah) April 5, 2026
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