US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States is engaged in “serious discussions” with what he referred to as a “more reasonable regime” in Iran to bring an end to its military activities. Trump warned that if an agreement is not reached promptly 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 expressed optimism about the progress made in negotiations, indicating a potential deal. However, he emphasized that failure to reach an agreement swiftly and reopen the strategic waterway could lead to the US launching attacks on Iran’s electric generating plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island.
Trump mentioned that desalination plants, which provide clean water, could also be targeted, highlighting that these facilities have not yet been impacted deliberately. He stated that such actions would be in response to what he claimed were US personnel killed by Iran during the previous regime’s 47-year rule of “terror.”
Last week, Trump declared a temporary halt to attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure for a 10-day period, set to conclude on April 6.
While Trump portrayed the negotiations as progressing positively with direct and indirect contacts, Iran has denied engaging in direct talks with the US. Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf dismissed diplomatic efforts, including those involving Pakistan, as a facade for US troop deployments in the region, leading to a defiant stance from Tehran.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar mentioned the possibility of upcoming talks, but the nature of these discussions, whether direct or indirect, remains uncertain.
Trump hinted at the potential for military escalation, indicating that seizing strategic assets like Kharg Island might necessitate a prolonged US presence. In response, Iran warned of potential broader regional escalations, including targeting Gulf states and disrupting shipping routes.
Amid emerging ceasefire attempts, Trump openly discussed the idea of seizing Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal in the Persian Gulf, emphasizing the array of options available. He noted Iran’s agreement to allow 20 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture of respect while mentioning the presence of around 2,500 US Marines in the region, with a similar number being deployed.
On the other hand, Iran rejected US proposals to resolve the conflict as “unrealistic, illogical, and excessive,” launching fresh attacks in the region as the conflict entered its second month.