Trump Threatens to Destroy Iran Power Plants Amid Reports of Downed U.S. F-35

U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Iran, threatening to destroy the country's power plants and bridges. This comes after reports emerged of a U.S. F-35 fighter jet being shot down over central Iran, as shared by Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency. Images of the jet were posted on Telegram, though neither the U.S. Central Command nor Iranian authorities have confirmed the incident. Trump's threats follow a nationwide address in which he vowed to hit Iran 'extremely hard' for the next two to three weeks, stating the U.S. would 'bring them back to the Stone Ages where they belong.' Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded defiantly on X, questioning the U.S. stance by referencing the lack of oil and gas in the Stone Age. Meanwhile, Iran has effectively shut down tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route, following attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Feb. 28. Trump has repeatedly threatened to send Iran back to the 'stone age' as the conflict enters its second month, with the U.S. military build-up in the Middle East showing no signs of slowing. Despite reports of potential ceasefires and a 15-point peace plan, Iran has denied engaging in negotiations with the Trump administration, calling the proposal 'extremely maximalist and unreasonable.' Trump claimed that Iran's 'New Regime President' has sought a ceasefire, a claim Tehran has refuted. The president has not specified who this 'President' is, but has stated that a ceasefire would be considered once the Strait of Hormuz is open, free, and clear. Legal experts have raised concerns that attacks on power plants could constitute war crimes, as highlighted in a letter signed by over 100 law experts. The Gulf Cooperation Council has called on the United Nations Security Council to take 'all necessary measures' to stop Iranian aggressions against its member states. However, a proposed U.N. resolution to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz stalled after objections from China, Russia, and France.