Benjamin Netanyahu

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened widespread destruction of Iran’s energy resources and infrastructure if a deal to end the war with Tehran is not reached soon.

In a social media post, Trump stated “great progress is being made” in talks to end military operations, but warned that if a deal isn’t reached and the Strait of Hormuz isn’t immediately reopened, the U.S. Would “completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!).”

The war continues with attacks on multiple fronts: Tehran struck a key water and electrical plant in Kuwait, and an oil refinery in Israel came under attack. Israel and the U.S. Launched a new wave of strikes on Iran.

Trump Links Diplomacy to Military Threat

Trump has repeatedly stated that talks with Iran are ongoing—and even progressing well—though Tehran denies direct negotiations. Simultaneously, he has increased threats, with thousands of U.S. Troops pouring into the Middle East.

The status of diplomatic efforts facilitated by Pakistan remains unclear. Iran’s attacks on its Gulf neighbors add uncertainty to any potential talks. The United Arab Emirates, which has positioned itself as a stable force in the region, has been significantly impacted by the war and is increasingly calling for Iran’s disarmament as part of any ceasefire—a demand Iran’s theocracy is unlikely to accept.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said his preference would be to “take the oil in Iran,” potentially by seizing Kharg Island, the terminal for nearly all of Iran’s oil exports. He added, “Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options.”

Trump also stated the U.S. Has identified approximately 3,000 targets in Iran, but suggested a deal “could be made fairly quickly.” He told reporters the U.S. Is negotiating with Iran “directly and indirectly,” but acknowledged a pattern of attacks following negotiations, citing previous instances in February and June.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei acknowledged receiving a 15-point proposal from the Trump administration, but confirmed no direct negotiations with Washington have taken place. Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, dismissed the Pakistan talks as a pretext for deploying more U.S. Troops.

The U.S. Has already conducted airstrikes targeting military positions on Kharg. Iran has threatened a ground invasion of Gulf Arab countries and mining the Persian Gulf should U.S. Troops land on its territory.

Escalating Attacks and Rising Oil Prices

Sirens sounded near Israel’s main nuclear research center, which has been repeatedly targeted. Israel’s military intercepted two drones launched from Yemen, where the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels entered the war on Saturday with their first missile attack.

A fire broke out at an oil refinery in Haifa, Israel, one of only two in the country. Iran continued to pressure its Gulf neighbors, intercepting missiles targeting Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich Eastern province, triggering missile alerts in Bahrain, and causing a fireball over Dubai.

An Iranian attack on a power and desalination plant in Kuwait killed one worker and injured ten soldiers. Desalination plants are crucial for water supplies in the Gulf Arab states, and a previous attack damaged a plant in Bahrain.

Israel’s military launched new attacks on Iran, targeting “military infrastructure” across Tehran. A petrochemicals plant in Tabriz sustained damage. Iran confirmed the death of Rear Adm. Alireza Tangsiri, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s navy, in an Israeli airstrike.

In Lebanon, an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed and three others wounded when a projectile exploded. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to expand the military’s “security strip” in southern Lebanon, targeting the Iran-linked Hezbollah group.

Authorities in Iran report over 1,900 deaths, while 19 have been reported in Israel. Two dozen have been killed in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank. In Lebanon, over 1,200 have been killed and more than 1 million displaced. Six Israeli soldiers have died in Lebanon, and 13 U.S. Service members have been killed in the war.

Iran’s attacks on regional energy infrastructure and its control over the Strait of Hormuz—through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes—have driven oil prices up nearly 60% to around $115 a barrel since the start of the war on February 28.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the situation with the Strait of Hormuz?

The U.S. Is demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, a key waterway for global oil transport. Iran has proposed its own terms, including maintaining sovereignty over the strait.

What is the status of diplomatic efforts?

Talks are reportedly ongoing, facilitated by Pakistan, but Iran denies direct negotiations with the U.S. The U.S. Has presented Iran with a 15-point proposal.

What is the impact of the war on oil prices?

Oil prices have risen sharply, reaching around $115 a barrel, due to attacks on energy infrastructure and concerns about disruptions to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

As the conflict continues, what conditions would be necessary for a lasting resolution to emerge?