President Donald Trump escalated rhetoric toward Iran on Thursday, declaring the nation has “no cards” to play as a U.S. delegation prepares for direct negotiations in Pakistan this weekend.

Trump’s comments on TRUTH Social came as Vice President JD Vance, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and senior adviser Jared Kushner prepared to meet with Iranian officials. The messaging underscores the Trump administration’s strategy heading into crucial discussions aimed at ending regional hostilities.

Trump’s Assessment of Iran’s Military Position

Trump characterized Iran’s military capabilities as severely degraded, stating “their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft apparatus is nonexistent.” He added that Iran’s missile and drone infrastructure has been “largely obliterated.”

The president specifically addressed maritime threats, writing that “the only thing they have going is the threat that a ship may ‘bunk’ into one of their sea mines,” and claimed all 28 of Iran’s mine-laying vessels had been destroyed. Trump emphasized Iran’s limited negotiating position, stating “the only reason they are alive today is to negotiate.”

Strait of Hormuz and Oil Markets

Trump said the administration is clearing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil supplies, “as a favor to Countries all over the World,” naming China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany.

He noted that multiple large tankers are heading to the United States “to LOAD UP with Oil,” suggesting a potential shift in energy markets following the military operations.

Congressional Response

Senator John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, defended the administration’s approach during a Thursday appearance on Fox News, telling host Jesse Watters that American media has “essentially” become “carrying water for Iran.”

“We’re describing the kinds of circumstances, then we forget the way Iran has behaved,” Fetterman said, urging accountability for Iranian actions. He emphasized that “America is the force of good in the world, and holding Iran accountable is important.”

Recent Military Operations

Fetterman’s comments came amid ongoing scrutiny of a February 28 Tomahawk missile strike on a building in Minab, southeastern Iran. Iranian reports claimed at least 175 people were killed, with most casualties among children.

A preliminary U.S. military investigation determined the strike resulted from faulty targeting intelligence based on outdated information from the Defense Intelligence Agency, with the intended target being an adjacent Iranian military base.