During a press briefing, Trump asserted that the Iranian populace would endure hardships from potential strikes on civilian energy infrastructures if such actions ultimately led to their liberation.
When questioned if targeting these sites would adversely impact Iranian civilians, Trump responded, “It’s suffering. They would endure it for the sake of gaining freedom.”
The president further claimed that the Iranian citizens desire the continuation of the U.S. military’s aerial operations.
“We’ve intercepted numerous communications saying, ‘Please keep bombing.’ Even when bombs fall close to their homes, they urge, ‘Please continue. Do it.’ These are people residing in areas where the bombs detonate.
“And after we leave, if we cease targeting those regions, they plead, ‘Please come back, come back, come back’.”
Trump’s comments come amid criticism that his vow to “blow up” Iranian energy plants, bridges and desalinisation plants would constitute war crimes.
Trump has given Tehran until 8pm US Eastern Time on Tuesday (10am, Wednesday AEST) to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or he’ll move forward with such attacks.