President Donald Trump threatened Sunday to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure if negotiations for a peace deal stall, while also suggesting progress is being made toward a resolution.
Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States is in “serious discussions” with what he called “a NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME” to end military operations in Iran. He stated that while “great progress has been made,” failure to reach a deal soon would result in strikes on Iranian oil wells, power plants, and other infrastructure.
What Trump Said
“If for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately ‘Open for Business,’ we will conclude our lovely ‘stay’ in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island,” Trump wrote. He framed the threatened action as retaliation for Iranian military actions, stating it would be “in retribution for our many soldiers, and others, that Iran has butchered and killed over the old Regime’s 47 year ‘Reign of Terror.'”
Trump said Friday he had paused potential strikes on Iranian power infrastructure to create space for negotiations. “Iran is being decimated,” Trump said. “We are talking now. They want to make a deal.”
Timeline and Negotiations
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that U.S. military operations in Iran are expected to conclude within weeks as stated objectives are being met ahead of schedule. Rubio made the comments following meetings with Group of Seven foreign ministers in France.
“It’s a question of weeks, not months,” Rubio said regarding the operational timeline, which aligns with Trump administration projections of four to seven weeks. Special envoy Steve Witkoff stated he is “hopeful” talks could begin soon and that a proposed resolution could end the conflict.
The Trump administration presented a 15-point proposal to Iran aimed at resolving the dispute. Witkoff said the Iranians have had the proposal for some time and the U.S. expects a response. Rubio indicated the U.S. had received messages from Iran suggesting willingness to negotiate but said clarification is needed about who would represent Tehran and what topics would be discussed.
The Conflict and Current Situation
Military operations began February 28 with joint U.S. and Israeli actions and have resulted in deaths of senior Iranian leaders. Rubio said the U.S. has deployed additional forces to the region to maintain military options as the situation develops.
Iranian officials accused Israel of striking nuclear facilities and major industrial sites, including steel plants. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Tehran would impose a “heavy price” in response. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened retaliation targeting U.S. and Israeli-linked infrastructure and energy assets across the region.
The Group of Seven nations called for restoring full navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has restricted. The waterway handles roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. Rubio reported Iran has begun charging some vessels for safe passage, and Iranian lawmakers are considering legislation tied to the restrictions.