Washington DC [US], April 5 : US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned of major military action against Iran if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington to end the conflict and open the strategic Strait of Hormuz before the deadline expires on Tuesday, while noting that the US is currently engaged in "deep negotiations" with the Islamic Republic.
During an interview with Axios, Trump said, "There is a good chance, but if they don't make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there," adding that discussions are ongoing and suggested a deal could still be reached before the deadline.
Responding to concerns about potential civilian harm, Trump said he believes Iranian civilians opposed to their government would support such actions.
"They are living in fear. They are afraid we are gonna leave in the middle of the war, but we are not going to leave," the US President stated, as quoted by Axios.
Earlier in the day, shortly before the interview, Trump issued a strong warning on Truth Social, threatening to target Iran's critical infrastructure if demands are not met.
Trump issued a strong warning to Iran, urging the Islamic Republic to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as the conflict in West Asia escalates, while threatening severe consequences if it fails to do so.
In his post, Trump used unusually harsh language to convey his message, reminding Tehran of his deadline to 'make a deal' or to 'open the Strait', noting that Tuesday will be the day when Washington will wrap up all of Iran's energy and civil infrastructure.
"Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F****n' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah," he stated in his post.
During the interview with Axios, Trump said his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are engaged in intensive negotiations with Iranian officials.
"The negotiations are going well, but you never get to the finish line with the Iranians," he remarked.
He further claimed that the two sides were close to agreeing on direct talks a few days ago but expressed frustration over delays.
"But then they said they will meet us in five days. So I said, 'Why five days?' I felt they were not being serious. So I attacked the bridge," Trump said, as quoted by Axios.
The US President was referring to a recent strike on a key bridge connecting Tehran with northern Iran.
On Thursday, Trump stated that Iran's biggest bridge has been hit and, in a sharply worded statement, called on Tehran to make a deal before it is "too late."
He made the remarks in a post on Truth Social and shared a video clip that showed a bridge coming down.
"The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again Much more to follow! IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!" the post stated.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with diplomatic efforts continuing alongside increasingly sharp rhetoric from both sides.
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