Washington: President Donald Trump on Monday asserted that Iranians are prepared to endure significant hardship in their pursuit of freedom, claiming the United States had intercepted communications urging people to “please keep bombing”, according to statements he made at a White House press conference. The remarks come amid a bitter standoff between Washington and Tehran as a looming deadline approaches over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing reporters, Trump suggested that ordinary Iranians might willingly accept continued military attacks if they believed it would help them achieve greater liberty. His comments were made just a day before his ultimatum for Iran to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz or face further strikes on energy infrastructure and bridges, part of an intensified pressure campaign by the United States.

Trump’s administration has taken a hard line in recent days, threatening to strike Iran’s power plants and other infrastructure if Tehran does not comply with US demands centred on freedom of navigation through the strait.

Strait of Hormuz at the centre of escalation

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime passage through which about one‑fifth of the world’s oil supply transits. Trump has set firm deadlines for its reopening to global shipping, warning of devastating military action if Iran refuses to reopen it.

Iran has rejected temporary ceasefire proposals and instead put forward conditions for an end to the conflict, including lifting sanctions, reconstruction support, and safe‑passage protocols for the strait. Tehran has insisted that any agreement must result in a permanent end to hostilities rather than a short pause in fighting.

  The comments come as airstrikes continue across the region, with reported attacks killing civilians and damaging infrastructure in Iran, Israel, Lebanon and beyond. International energy markets have also been affected, with oil prices rising amid concerns over supply disruptions if the strait remains closed.

Iran has responded to US and allied strikes with its own missile and drone attacks on regional targets. Iran’s top military command has warned of devastating retaliation if civilian infrastructure continues to be targeted.

With agency inputs