President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, saying the United States would “completely obliterate all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island” if a peace deal is “not shortly reached” and the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.
The remarks come amid intensifying rhetoric and military activity in the region. Just a day earlier, Trump suggested he is considering seizing Kharg Island—a strategic hub responsible for roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports. In an interview, he said he wants to “take the oil in Iran,” adding that U.S. troops would likely remain on the island “for some time. For a while.”
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump struck a mixed tone, signaling both escalation and diplomacy. “I do see a deal in Iran, yeah… Could be soon,” he told reporters, while also emphasizing U.S. military strength in the region. “We have tremendous numbers of ships over there,” he said. “We’re… in a much bigger way… ahead of schedule with Iran.”
Trump also made the striking claim that U.S. forces have already “bombed 13,000 targets” in Iran, suggesting only a few thousand remain, though he reiterated that “a deal could be made fairly quickly.”
Iran, however, firmly denied that negotiations are taking place. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Washington of using diplomatic channels as a cover for military buildup, warning that Iranian forces are “waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground.” He added, “Our firing continues. Our missiles are in place. Our determination and faith have increased.”
Regional diplomacy appears uncertain. Officials in Pakistan indicated that talks could occur in the coming days, even as public statements from Tehran reject ongoing negotiations.
Markets have reacted swiftly. Oil prices surged, with Brent crude reaching approximately $116 per barrel and U.S. benchmark prices topping $102. According to AAA, national gas prices have climbed to $3.98 per gallon—up 34% since the conflict began in late February.
Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military operations, striking dozens of sites in Tehran and intensifying its ground campaign in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the objective is to curb attacks and push back Iran-backed Hezbollah forces.
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