Trump warns Iran’s energy infrastructure could be 'completely obliterated' if negotiations fail

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said the United States could target Iran’s energy infrastructure if a deal is not reached and the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, escalating rhetoric around the ongoing conflict.

In a public statement, Trump outlined potential military actions against key facilities, including oil and power sites.

 His comments come amid rising oil prices and continued uncertainty over diplomatic efforts. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have pushed back on US claims regarding negotiations.

Trump threatens Iran energy strikes

Trump said the US is engaged in discussions aimed at ending military operations but warned of significant escalation if talks fail.

“The United States of America is in serious discussions with A NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME to end our Military Operations in Iran. 

Great progress has been made but, 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 (and possibly all desalinization plants!), which we have purposefully not yet ‘touched,’” he said.

The statement marks one of the clearest indications of potential US targeting of Iran’s economic infrastructure, including energy production and export hubs. Kharg Island, a critical oil terminal, was specifically mentioned as a potential target.

Trump’s remarks followed earlier comments suggesting the US could seize Iranian oil resources. In an interview, he said his “preference would be to take the oil,” signaling broader considerations around economic leverage in the conflict.

Markets reacted to the developments, with global oil prices rising. Brent crude surpassed $116 per barrel following the remarks, reflecting concerns over supply disruptions tied to escalating tensions in the region.

Iran rejects US proposal, denies direct negotiations

Iranian officials responded by rejecting US claims of progress in negotiations.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the US proposal includes “largely excessive, unrealistic, and unreasonable demands,” contradicting Trump’s assertion that Iran had agreed to most terms. 

“We have had no direct negotiations with the United States so far,” Baghaei said, adding that communications have been conducted indirectly through intermediaries.

He also noted that Iran did not participate in recent regional discussions hosted by Pakistan, describing them as part of a framework not endorsed by Tehran.

“The meetings that Pakistan holds with neighboring countries are within a framework they have designed themselves, and we have not participated in this framework,” he said.

The remarks highlight a gap between US and Iranian accounts of diplomatic engagement, with Tehran emphasizing the absence of direct talks.

Pakistan has indicated it is prepared to facilitate discussions between the two countries, following meetings involving regional foreign ministers.