In the most violent escalation since the war began , US President Donald Trump has issued a direct ultimatum to Iran's leadership, stressing that Tehran will face "total destruction" of its infrastructure if it does not abide by the signing of the proposed deal.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump called Iran's recent moves in the Strait of Hormuz a "flagrant violation" of international commitments.
The US president commented on Iran's announcement of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, describing the move as "surprising".
"Our blockade has effectively closed the strait to their exports, and what they have announced is nothing but an attempt to legitimize a reality that we have imposed," he said, accusing Tehran of firing in the international shipping lane, warning that American patience has run out.
Terms of "just agreement" or destruction
As U.S. envoy Witkoff heads to Pakistan for crucial meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday, Trump clearly outlined Tehran's options: "We are putting forward a fair deal and I hope they accept it, and if they don't, we will destroy every power plant and bridge in Iran."
He stressed that Washington would not hesitate to use military force to "blow up" Iran's capabilities if the intransigence in the negotiations continues.
Oil Alternatives: America's Ports Are Ready
In response to concerns about supply disruptions, Trump asserted that the United States is the biggest beneficiary of the shift in energy trajectories.
"We are not losing anything, quite the opposite, many ships are currently heading to Texas, Louisiana and Alaska to load U.S. oil," he said, noting that his country is ready to fill the vacuum left by the disruption of supplies across the Gulf.
The US president added: "Iran is losing $500 million a day due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while we are losing nothing."