President Donald Trump warned Sunday that the United States could strike key civilian infrastructure in Iran if ongoing negotiations fail to produce an agreement, escalating rhetoric as a fragile ceasefire nears its deadline.
In a social media post, Trump accused Iran of breaching the truce by firing in the Strait of Hormuz and signaled that the United States is prepared to act if Tehran does not accept terms offered by Washington. “If they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single power plant and every single bridge,” he wrote.
The warning came as U.S. officials prepared for another round of in-person talks with Iranian representatives in Islamabad. The White House did not immediately confirm which officials would participate, though a U.S. official indicated that Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the delegation, along with envoy Steve Kushner and adviser Jared Kushner.
Reuters reported that the delegation is expected to arrive Monday, leaving a narrow window for progress before the two-week ceasefire expires. Trump has expressed optimism that a deal could still be reached but coupled that with renewed threats of military action.
Iran has not confirmed whether it will attend the talks. Its Tasnim news agency indicated that no final decision had been made, citing ongoing U.S. restrictions on Iranian shipping and ports as a sticking point.
Iranian officials have said major differences remain between the two sides, particularly over nuclear activity and control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy supplies.
The waterway remained largely closed Sunday, following reports that Iranian forces fired on vessels attempting to pass through. Iran had earlier suggested it would reopen the route but reversed course after the United States maintained a blockade affecting Iranian trade.
Trump cited the incident as a violation of the ceasefire, reinforcing his administration’s stance that Iran must comply with agreed terms. The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant share of the world’s oil shipments, making any disruption a concern for global markets.
Iran has warned that any attack on its infrastructure would prompt retaliation, including potential strikes on energy facilities in neighboring countries. The conflict, now entering its eighth week, has already led to widespread casualties and regional instability, according to reporting by The Associated Press and Reuters.
Security measures increased in Islamabad ahead of the anticipated talks, with authorities restricting movement and tightening controls in parts of the city.
The developments come amid growing political and economic pressure in the United States, where rising fuel costs and broader economic concerns have heightened the urgency of resolving the conflict.
Trump’s explicit threat to target civilian infrastructure marks a significant escalation in tone and raises the stakes for the upcoming negotiations. Such statements are often intended to pressure adversaries into concessions, but they also risk narrowing diplomatic space by hardening positions on both sides.
Targeting infrastructure such as power plants and bridges could have severe humanitarian and economic consequences, potentially affecting millions of civilians and drawing international scrutiny. It may also increase the likelihood of retaliation, expanding the conflict beyond its current scope.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis. Its continued closure or restriction has already disrupted global energy flows, contributing to volatility in oil markets. Any prolonged instability could have ripple effects across economies worldwide, particularly those heavily dependent on energy imports.
The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation in the next round of talks highlights the fragile state of diplomacy. With limited time before the ceasefire expires, both sides face pressure to reach at least a temporary understanding. However, differences over key issues, including nuclear policy and maritime access, remain unresolved.
Domestic considerations are also influencing the situation. In the United States, economic pressures and upcoming elections are shaping the administration’s urgency. For Iran, maintaining leverage while navigating internal and external challenges remains a priority.
If negotiations fail, the consequences could extend far beyond the immediate region. The combination of military escalation and economic disruption would likely intensify global concerns, making the outcome of the talks in the coming days particularly critical.
Reuters/AP
