President Donald Trump on Monday morning said the U.S. was talking to a "new and more reasonable" Iranian regime about ending the current conflict, but he also warned that the Middle East country's electric plants and oil wells would be obliterated if a deal "is not shortly reached."
In a Truth Social post, Trump signaled both optimism about negotiations and a readiness to escalate militarily if Iran fails to meet U.S. demands, particularly keeping the vital Strait of Hormuz open to global commerce.
"The United States of America is in serious discussions with A NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME to end our Military Operations in Iran," Trump wrote.
He added that "great progress has been made," but made clear that patience is limited.
"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 said.
The president's remarks reinforce the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which roughly 20% of the world's oil supply passes.
Any disruption there could send global energy markets into turmoil — a risk Trump has repeatedly emphasized while positioning U.S. policy as a defense of both American and global economic stability.
Trump also framed the potential military response as justified retaliation for decades of Iranian aggression.
"This will 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,'" he wrote.
The reference to a "new" Iranian regime suggests a possible shift within Tehran's leadership, though details remain unclear.
Analysts have noted increasing internal pressure on Iran's ruling structure amid economic strain, international isolation, and sustained military pressure.
At the same time, Trump's warning reflects a broader doctrine embraced by many conservatives: Peace through strength.
By making clear that the U.S. is prepared to target critical infrastructure — including energy production and desalination facilities — Trump appears to be leveraging overwhelming force as a deterrent to further escalation.
Recent reports indicate that U.S. military assets remain positioned throughout the region, giving the administration flexibility as talks continue.
Defense experts say such deployments are designed to ensure rapid response capability while negotiations play out.
Critics have raised concerns about the humanitarian and environmental consequences of striking infrastructure, but supporters argue that decisive action may ultimately prevent a longer, more destructive conflict.
For now, Trump struck a cautiously optimistic tone, suggesting a deal is likely — but leaving no doubt about the consequences if diplomacy fails.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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