President Trump indicated on Monday that a deal with Iran might be close, but he cautioned that if negotiations falter, the U.S. plans to take drastic action against Iran’s power plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island, which is crucial for exports.
Trump mentioned on Truth Social that “the United States is in serious talks with a new, more rational administration to end military operations in Iran.”
He expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating that while they have made significant progress, if an agreement isn’t reached soon—he believes it likely will—and the Strait of Hormuz isn’t “reopened,” the U.S. will respond forcefully by targeting key infrastructure.
He added, “This will be revenge for the many soldiers and others that Iran massacred and killed during the former regime’s 47-year ‘reign of terror.’”
Just hours before this statement, Trump had said that the U.S. was negotiating with Iran both “directly and indirectly.” He highlighted the importance of potentially accessing Iranian oil, which involves taking control of Kharg Island.
Trump remarked to the Financial Times, “We may take Kharg Island, we may not take it. We have a lot of options.” He elaborated that the U.S. has around 3,000 objectives in Iran, but maintains that “a deal could be reached fairly quickly.”
He has provided Iran with a 10-day timeframe to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where an important disruption recently spiked oil prices by 50%.
On Sunday, approximately 3,500 U.S. Marines and sailors were deployed to the Middle East aboard the USS Tripoli, with Trump suggesting they may be utilized to secure the Strait and Iran’s nuclear facilities.
While the Trump administration hasn’t officially recognized direct talks with Iran, there are reports pointing to hardline parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a possible negotiator.
According to Iranian state media IRNA, Ghalibaf accused the U.S. of seemingly sending negotiative signals while secretly planning military action. He warned, “Officials should be aware that American soldiers are waiting to enter and deal with our regional partners.”
Key mediators in the talks involve officials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, who convened in Islamabad over the weekend.
On Monday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi appealed to Trump, stating, “I speak on behalf of humanity and peace-loving people, Mr. President, you are a peace-loving person.” He urged Trump to “help us stop this war.”
