President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could strike Iran’s critical energy infrastructure if negotiations to end the conflict collapse, escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a social media post Monday, Trump said progress had been made in talks but warned that failure to reach a deal, especially over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, would trigger military action.
“Great progress has been made but, if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached… we will… completely obliterate all of their electric generating plants, oil wells and Kharg Island,” Trump wrote.
The threat targets Iran’s civilian-linked energy facilities, including power plants and desalination infrastructure, marking a significant escalation.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the dispute. The vital oil transit route has faced disruptions in recent weeks, pushing global energy prices higher.
Iran has indicated it wants to maintain control over the waterway, while Trump has made reopening it a key condition for any agreement.
Rising stakes and fragile diplomacy
The developments come amid a broader US and Israeli military campaign that has lasted weeks. Regional tensions have intensified, with reports of missile strikes and infrastructure damage, including a fire at the Bazan oil refinery in Haifa.
Despite the threats, Trump has described negotiations as productive. He said Iran had agreed to most of a proposed 15-point ceasefire framework delivered through intermediaries.
Tehran has submitted its own conditions, including maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting ongoing disagreements.
Regional players including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have engaged in diplomatic efforts, though no clear breakthrough has emerged.
At the same time, the US has increased its military presence in the region. Thousands of troops, including units from the 82nd Airborne Division and an amphibious assault group, have been deployed.
Trump has also raised the possibility of targeting Iran’s main oil export hub, Kharg Island, a move analysts warn could widen the conflict and require prolonged military involvement.
