U.S. President Donald Trump stated negotiations with Iran are progressing, but warned of potential attacks on Iranian infrastructure if an agreement isn’t reached.
Trump Announces Talks, Issues Threat
U.S. President Trump announced on Monday, March 30th, via Truth Social that “the United States is having very serious discussions with the new and more reasonable regime regarding ending our military operations in Iran.” He added that significant progress has been made and both countries should soon reach an agreement.
However, in the same post, Trump threatened consequences from the U.S. if a ceasefire isn’t achieved. “If, for any reason, an agreement is not reached soon, and if the Strait of Hormuz is not immediately “opened for business”, we will end our lovely “stay” in Iran, blowing up and totally destroying all of their oil refineries, glass cities, and the Khark Island (and maybe all of the desalination plants, which they have deliberately not touched yet)” Trump stated.
Retaliation for Past Casualties
According to the U.S. President, this would be retribution for the numerous U.S. soldiers killed by Iran over the past 47 years of the “terror regime” of the old regime. Trump did not provide further details regarding the progress of negotiations or specific demands from either side.
Iranian Denial of Direct Talks
Iranian leaders deny reports of direct talks with the U.S.
Trump’s Prior Announcement and Iranian Concerns
Trump announced last week that he would halt attacks on Iranian oil refineries until April 6th. He also assessed that the United States and Iran are making progress in talks to end the war, which began on February 28th. Iranian leaders deny direct talks with the United States, according to Reuters.
On Sunday, March 29th, the Chairman of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, argued that the United States is planning a ground attack on Iran despite publicly engaging in diplomatic efforts to end the war.