President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the United States is engaged in serious discussions with what he referred to as a more rational leadership in Iran to halt its military activities. He issued a warning that if an agreement is not reached swiftly and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the US could conduct extensive strikes on Iran’s vital infrastructure.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump mentioned significant advancements in the negotiations and expressed optimism about reaching a deal. However, he emphasized that failure to reach an agreement promptly and reopen the strategic waterway could lead to the US completely destroying Iran’s power plants, oil facilities, and Kharg Island.
Trump also mentioned the possibility of targeting desalination plants providing clean water, noting that these facilities had not been affected yet. He stated that such actions would be in retaliation for what he claimed were US personnel killed by Iran during the previous regime’s 47-year rule of terror.
Last week, Trump announced a temporary halt to attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure for a 10-day period, which extends until April 6.
While Trump expressed confidence in the progress of negotiations and described the discussions as both direct and indirect, Iran denied engaging in direct talks with Washington. Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf dismissed diplomatic efforts as a cover for a US troop buildup in the region.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar mentioned the possibility of upcoming talks, although it remains uncertain whether they will be direct or indirect. Trump indicated that military escalation remains an option, suggesting that seizing assets like Kharg Island might necessitate a prolonged US presence. Iran warned of broader regional escalation in response, including potential actions against Gulf states and disruption of shipping routes.
Trump also raised the prospect of seizing Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal in the Persian Gulf. He mentioned that Iran had allowed 20 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture of respect. Iran dismissed US proposals to end the conflict as unrealistic, illogical, and excessive, initiating fresh attacks across the region as the conflict entered its second month.