Trump: US could ‘completely obliterate’ Iran oil hub if no deal reached soon

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that they could “completely obliterate” Iran’s key infrastructure if a deal to end the conflict is not reached soon.

The warning was posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Mar. 30.

His remarks came just a day after he suggested a deal with Tehran could be reached within the week.

Threat includes Kharg Island oil hub

In the post, Trump said the US was currently in “serious discussions” with what he described as a “more reasonable regime” in Iran.

However, he also issued a strong warning about possible military action if negotiations fail.

“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 desalinisation plants!).”

Kharg Island is Iran’s main oil export terminal.

White House says Trump wants deal within 10 days

Speaking to reporters, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is aiming to secure an agreement soon.

“He wants to see a deal over the next 10 days,” she said, according to CNA.

Leavitt added that Trump had previously estimated the war could last between four and six weeks.

“We’re on day 30 today. So again, you do the math.”

US says military action would remain within the law

When asked whether targeting civilian infrastructure could risk violating international law, Leavitt said US forces would operate legally.

“The US military has capabilities beyond their wildest imagination and the president is not afraid to use them,” she warned.

Trump claims “regime change” already achieved

Trump also told reporters aboard Air Force One that the United States had effectively achieved regime change in Iran following the deaths of several Iranian leaders during the conflict, according to CNA.

“We’re dealing with different people than anybody’s dealt with before,” he said.

“It’s a whole different group of people. So I would consider that regime change.”

He added that a deal could be reached “soon.”

Gulf allies may be asked to help pay war costs

Leavitt also said Trump is interested in the idea of Gulf allies helping cover costs linked to the conflict.

“It’s an idea that I know he has,” she said, without providing further details.

Top image via Donald J. Trump/Facebook, AFP