US President Donald Trump is talking deal — and threatening destruction in the same breath — saying negotiations with Iran are underway while warning of severe consequences if no agreement is reached. He said a breakthrough could come by Monday, just ahead of the expiry of his 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
In remarks shared by phone to Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, he said, “If they don’t make a deal, and fast, I’m considering blowing everything up and taking over the oil.”
The US President said that Iranian negotiators involved in the talks have been granted limited amnesty. However, he also warned of severe consequences if an agreement is not reached. Trump said he could consider drastic action, including destroying key assets and taking control of Iranian oil resources if talks fail.
He also made a striking claim that the United States had earlier sent weapons intended for Iranian protesters through Kurdish channels, but suggested those arms may not have reached their intended recipients. Trump said he believes Kurdish groups may have retained the weapons.
TRUMP REPEATS THREAT TO HIT IRAN INFRASTRUCTURE
His latest hint at a breakthrough comes just hours after he threatened to strike Iran’s power plants and bridges this Tuesday if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to marine traffic. In an expletive-laden post, Trump promised they would be “living in Hell” if the waterway isn’t opened.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fu***ng Strait, you crazy ba***rds, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP
Meanwhile, Tehran has shown no signs of stepping back. Iran launched new strikes on energy infrastructure across the Gulf on Sunday, hitting facilities in Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain. The group had warned that strikes on US economic interests in the region would intensify if attacks on civilian targets inside Iran continued.
TRUMP’S 48-HOUR DEADLINE LOOMS
A day earlier, Trump doubled down on his stance, giving Iran 48 hours to act and warned that the situation could quickly escalate if nothing changes.
Iran, however, has brushed aside the warning and shown no signs of giving in. Iran’s central military command’s General Aliabadi said Trump’s threat was a “helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action”.
Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, added: “If hostility escalates, the entire region will turn into hell for you; the illusion of defeating the Islamic Republic of Iran will become a quagmire into which you will sink.”
With inputs from agencies
