The United Nations on Tuesday expressed alarm over remarks by US President Donald Trump threatening to strike Iran’s critical infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.Responding to a question on the issue, UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the rhetoric in the social media post was deeply concerning and urged all sides to adhere strictly to international law.“We were alarmed by the rhetoric… that threatened American attacks on power plants, bridges and other infrastructure, should Iran not agree to a deal,” Dujarric said.Reiterating the Secretary-General’s position, he stressed that civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, must not be targeted under any circumstances. Even in cases where such infrastructure could be deemed a military objective, international humanitarian law prohibits attacks if they risk causing excessive civilian harm, he added.Dujarric underscored that any assault on civilian infrastructure would constitute a “clear violation of international law”, though the determination of whether such acts amount to war crimes would rest with competent judicial bodies.“The Secretary-General has been very clear… it is high time for the parties to stop this conflict, as there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes,” he said.The remarks come against the backdrop of heightened tensions in West Asia, with Washington warning of strong military action if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.Earlier, during a press conference at the White House, the US President had again warned that it could target and destroy key civilian infrastructure in Iran, including bridges and power plants, if Tehran fails to agree to a deal by a set deadline.Reiterating his threat of a deadline of 8 pm (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, Trump said the US has the capability to “decimate” Iran’s infrastructure within hours, linking the ultimatum to demands including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring the free flow of oil.“We have a plan… where every bridge in Iran will be decimated… where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again,” Trump said, adding that such an operation could be executed within four hours if ordered.He, however, said Washington did not wish to pursue such action and hinted at the possibility of assisting in rebuilding Iran if an agreement is reached. “Do I want to destroy their infrastructure? No… The only way they’re going to rebuild their country is to utilise the genius of the United States,” he said.Trump also claimed that the US had earlier demonstrated its capability by striking a major bridge in Iran within minutes of issuing orders, following inputs that negotiations were faltering.