U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran with attacks on infrastructure while simultaneously expressing hope for successful negotiations in Pakistan.
US-Iran Negotiations in Pakistan
President Donald Trump announced another round of negotiations with Iran will be held in Islamabad on Monday. He simultaneously accused Iran of a serious breach of the ceasefire and threatened to destroy Iranian bridges and power plants if no agreement is reached.
Trump stated on Truth Social, “Iran decided yesterday to fire missiles in the Strait of Hormuz – a complete violation of our ceasefire agreement! Many were aimed at a French ship and a British freighter. Not nice, right?”
Trump’s Shifting Stance
He then added that his “representatives” would travel to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, to negotiate with Iran on Monday.
Strait of Hormuz Dispute
Trump expressed surprise at Iran’s announcement of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the waterway is already effectively closed due to the U.S. blockade. He added that Iran is losing $500 million daily due to its inability to export oil.
“The United States loses nothing. In fact, many ships are heading to the United States, Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska to load up, thanks to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who always want to be ‘tough guys!’” Trump commented.
Threats of Infrastructure Destruction
Trump reiterated that if Iran does not accept a “very fair and reasonable deal,” the United States will destroy every power plant and port in Iran.
“NO MORE BEING NICE GUESTS! They will quickly and easily yield, and if they don’t accept the DEAL, I will have the honor of doing what should have been done to Iran by other Presidents over the last 47 years!” he wrote. “IT IS TIME FOR THE IRANIAN KILLING MACHINE TO STOP!”
Confirmation in ABC Interview
Trump conveyed a similar message in a brief telephone interview with ABC News, stating he would end the war “nicely or hard.”
Ceasefire Deadline and Conflicting Signals
In recent days, Trump has suggested he is close to reaching an agreement with Iran that would permanently end the war, which has been under a ceasefire since February 28th. The ceasefire is set to expire late Tuesday night. Signals from Tehran have not confirmed the U.S. President’s statements.
Disagreement Over Nuclear Program
As recently as Friday, Trump claimed Iran had agreed to “everything,” including eliminating enriched uranium and dismantling its nuclear program, even stating he “now has good relationships” with Iran.
Iranian officials, speaking anonymously to the media, denied any agreement had been reached regarding the nuclear program. One official stated on Saturday that significant differences remain regarding the terms of the ceasefire.
Strait of Hormuz Reopening and Renewed Closure
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. However, the U.S. has not lifted its own blockade of Iranian ports. The Iranian army announced the waterway’s renewed closure on Saturday, with reports of further Iranian attacks on ships.